In recent years, Kenya has faced a growing crisis among its Generation Z population. This demographic, comprising individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is encountering a myriad of challenges that threaten to undermine their potential and, consequently, the future of the nation.
High unemployment rates, mental health issues and societal pressures are converging to create a perfect storm. As Kenya grapples with these issues, it becomes imperative to chart a path forward and explore solutions that can transform this crisis into an opportunity for positive change.
Despite Kenya’s economic growth, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. Many young people struggle to find jobs that align with their qualifications, leading to widespread frustration and a sense of hopelessness. According to the World Bank, Kenya's youth unemployment rate stands at approximately 22 per cent, significantly higher than the national average.
This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to create meaningful employment opportunities for the youth. As former UN secretary general Kofi Annan once said, "Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace."
The pressures of modern life, exacerbated by economic instability and social expectations, have led to a rise in mental health problems among Gen Z. Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions are increasingly prevalent, yet mental health services remain underfunded and stigmatised. This situation calls for a comprehensive approach to mental health that includes awareness, support and access to professional help. Renowned mental health advocate Dr Brene Brown emphasises, "We need to stop demanding perfection in our youth and start appreciating their humanity."
Traditional societal norms often clash with the values and aspirations of Gen Z, creating a generational disconnect. This disconnect is further complicated by the rapid pace of technological advancement and globalisation, which expose young people to diverse ideas and lifestyles. Balancing traditional values with modern aspirations is a delicate task that requires understanding and empathy from all sides. As Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Prize laureate, states, "Young people need to be heard and their views respected."
Addressing the Gen Z crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving stakeholders from various sectors. Key strategies that can pave the way for a brighter future include educational reform. The education system needs to evolve to better equip young people with skills relevant to the modern job market. Emphasising science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, vocational training and entrepreneurial skills can prepare Gen Z for diverse career paths. Additionally, integrating soft skills such as critical thinking, communication and emotional intelligence into the curriculum can enhance their employability. As education activist Sir Ken Robinson famously said, "Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status."
There must be a concerted effort to destigmatise mental health issues and provide accessible support services. Schools, workplaces and community organisations should prioritise mental health education and offer resources for those in need. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health can encourage young people to seek help without fear of judgment. Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading expert on trauma and addiction, remarks, "The more we deny that we have our own wounds, the more we deny our young people the opportunity to heal."
Creating job opportunities is crucial. This can be achieved through government initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, investment in technology and innovation sectors and partnerships with private enterprises to create internship and employment programmes. By fostering an environment that supports startups and small businesses, the government can help generate new jobs and stimulate economic growth. As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, notes, "We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change."
Encouraging civic engagement and participation in decision-making processes can empower Gen Z to shape policies that affect their lives. Platforms for youth voices in political and community spheres are essential. Youth councils, forums and advisory boards can provide avenues for young people to express their views and contribute to national development. Former US President Barack Obama eloquently stated, "The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you."
Bridging the gap between traditional values and modern aspirations requires open dialogue and understanding. Programmes that foster intergenerational exchange and respect can help integrate the diverse perspectives of different age groups. Initiatives such as mentorship programmes, community dialogues and cultural exchange activities can promote mutual understanding and cooperation. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people."
Planning for the needs of Generation Alpha, the cohort born from the early 2010s onward, is crucial given their anticipated complexities. The generation will grow up in an even more technologically advanced world, with unprecedented access to information and global connectivity. Their education will need to be highly adaptive, integrating advanced technological skills from a young age, along with critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
The competency-based curriculum systems must be reformed to ensure they cater effectively to this new generation’s needs. Additionally, increasing the number of technical colleges and universities is essential to provide specialised and higher education opportunities that align with the demands of the evolving job market. As futurist Alvin Toffler remarked, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."
To address the Gen Z crisis effectively, Kenya needs to consider constitutional changes that make the framework more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the youth. Amending the constitution to guarantee youth representation in all decision-making organisations, including Parliament and county assemblies, is crucial.
Incorporating specific clauses that protect the rights of young people, such as the right to education, employment and mental health support, will ensure that youth issues are prioritised in national development agendas. Additionally, establishing a constitutional mandate for a Youth Development Fund, dedicated to financing youth-led projects, startups and educational initiatives, will provide necessary financial support. As Nelson Mandela wisely put it, "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow."
Reforming public service and government sectors to be more youth-friendly involves implementing policies that require government departments to hire a minimum percentage of young people, thereby reducing youth unemployment and ensuring fresh perspectives in public service. Mandating structured internship and apprenticeship programmes across government ministries and agencies will provide real-world experience and pathways to permanent employment for young people. Establishing innovation hubs within government institutions can foster collaboration, mentorship and the development of new ideas. Peter Drucker, a pioneer in management theory, said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it."
The private sector also plays a crucial role in addressing the Gen Z crisis. Encouraging companies to create youth-friendly workplaces that prioritise flexibility, mental health support and professional development opportunities will make the private sector more attractive to young talent. Promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on youth development, such as sponsoring educational programmes, supporting mental health initiatives and funding youth entrepreneurship, will empower the next generation.
Fostering public-private partnerships to address youth unemployment and skills development will create comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, remarked, "If you double the number of experiments you do per year, you're going to double your inventiveness."
The Gen Z crisis is a call to action for all sectors of society. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the economic, mental health and social dimensions of the crisis, Kenya can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and development. Investing in the potential of Gen Z will not only benefit the individuals themselves but also ensure a prosperous and resilient future for the nation. As Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, "The future depends on what we do in the present."
CEO, Afrifuture Management Consult and strategy specialist [email protected]