VICKI: Kenya’s Youth: Your time to lead Africa’s economic future is now

Kenya stands at a critical crossroads in its economic journey, and its young people hold the keys to the future. With over 75% of the population under the age of 35, Kenya has one of the youngest populations in Africa.

Yet, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment is around 13.4%, and millions more are underemployed or trapped in precarious informal work.

The Youth Economic Forum (YEF), an Africa-wide youth empowerment and innovation platform, is seeking to engage Kenyan youth leaders, innovators, and student changemakers.

While not a formal government initiative, the platform offers a space for young people to connect, collaborate, and explore entrepreneurial and policy-driven solutions across the continent.

Why YEF Matters for Kenya

Kenya’s position as East Africa’s hub for technology and innovation is well established. From Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah to Mombasa’s growing logistics and blue economy sectors, opportunities are emerging—but only for those prepared to seize them. Platforms like YEF aim to provide African youth with opportunities to:

·      Present and grow startups through competitions such as the B&FT Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025, which includes funding, mentorship, and investor engagement.

·       Build networks with peers across Africa, from fintech innovators in Lagos to agripreneurs in Accra.

·       Engage in dialogue on policy matters with government representatives, private sector leaders, and development partners, covering issues such as green finance and trade integration.

·       Develop practical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation through workshops and masterclasses.

This approach reflects a broader need for Africa’s youth to compete and collaborate across borders as the continent’s markets integrate more closely.

The Urgency to Get Involved

Kenya’s economy generates roughly 800,000 new job seekers annually, yet the formal sector absorbs fewer than half.

Without proactive engagement, young people risk facing widening inequality and unfulfilled potential. Initiatives like YEF provide pathways for creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

University and college students are especially positioned to participate as campus ambassadors—mobilising peers, promoting innovation, and representing Kenya in shaping Africa’s economic future.

Stepping into Leadership

Kenya’s youth are being called to take active roles in defining the country’s economic trajectory. Opportunities to participate, connect with peers, and access mentorship and networks are available for those willing to engage.

Young people, whether startup founders, student leaders, or climate activists, are increasingly influencing how Africa’s economies evolve and integrate.

Conclusion

Kenya’s young population is not just a demographic statistic—it is a force that can shape the country’s and the continent’s economic future.

The challenge is whether Kenya’s youth will step forward to lead, innovate, and collaborate across borders.

The time to act is now, and the decisions taken today will determine Kenya’s role in Africa’s next economic chapter.

Dr. Vicki L. Otaruyina is The Elevation Coach, a global strategist in purpose-led leadership, and Editor-in-Chief of Divine Purpose Magazine. She writes on entrepreneurship, leadership, identity, and faith-based impact across Africa and the Caribbean, and consults on strategic models to enhance collaboration between African and Caribbean markets.