Vision 2030 requires Kenya to create a globally competitive and adaptive human resource base that can meet the demands of a rapidly industrializing economy. The Constitution of Kenya also advocates for decent work where freely chosen productive employment is promoted simultaneously with fundamental rights at work. It also further considers favorable conditions at work,adequate income from work and the security of social protection.
Achievement of Vision 2030 depends largely on the availability of sufficient capacity of qualified workforce in order to boost the country's productive capacity. Towards that end,Kenya has progressively moved to improve the unemployment crisis and unemployability of the youth, that which has not only affected Kenya but most countries in the South. According to the World Bank, Kenya's unemployment rate has continued to rise from 1995 to date. The unemployment problem is compounded by general factors in the South that include; rapid population growth, low and unsustainable economic growth, structural rigidity, piecemental and knee-jerk interventions in the past which are poorly coordinated and based on weak institutional and legal framework.
To correct this, the government has one; strengthened the Industrial Training Authority through the Industrial Training Amendment Act (2011). It has also established the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) to coordinate various players in the MSEA sector and this was through the Micro & Small Enterprise Act (2012)
The government has also transformed a large number of Youth Polytechnics into Centres of Excellence and also upgraded the existing 15 National Youth Service (NYS) institutions. The government has also established the Youth Enterprise & Employment Programme. However, in as much as the government is doing a lot in regard to training and empowering Kenyan youth, thousands of graduates still remain unemployed. There is a need to address this sitting bomb.
To solve this issue, there is a need to formulate strategies that strengthen linkages between education and industry through research and training and promotion of entrepreneurial culture.Another of the many ways, is to develop a well structured framework through which we as a country can export our human resource to countries that face labor inadequacy.
Foreign employment provides a lot of benefits to any country. These benefits range from skills transfer, foreign remittances and of course a source of livelihoods to the migrant workers. It is obvious that Kenyans like many nationals have sought employment opportunities abroad, many who are low skilled workers.
While some get favourable terms and conducive working environments, many are those that face adverse living and working conditions, worse , human rights violations. e.g. in the Middle East. This has been made worse due to illegal migration. This informs the need for a well thought Labour Export Policy,through which Kenyans can access good jobs abroad. This can also be complimented by signing and implementing Bilateral Agreements in Labour Migration.
Doing so will enhance the safety and comfort of Kenyans in Diaspora, contribute to social and economic development of the country, promote Foreign Direct Investments, Tourism as well as transfer of skills and technology. Why this is very possible is the knowledge that Kenya has foreign missions across the globe, Diaspora Policy and Consular Policy documents already in place. There is also the opportunity that presents itself in the East Africa Community that facilitates free movement of people. We need to take advantage of this.
This policy should also be complimented by an effective Public Employment Service which will facilitate job search, job matching and at the same time reduce unemployment spoils. The private agencies, some which have turned unscrupulous, should be regulated and well-coordinated through proper and relevant laws and regulations.
Already having strategic Kenyan missions abroad, appointment and deployment of Employment/Labour Attaches to key labour destination countries (Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Qatar, South Sudan, South Africa) will further help in monitoring the progress of migrant workers and also monitor implementation of signed bilateral labour agreements. They will also formulate and implement policies on employment of expatriates as well a development of foreign skills inventory.
Back home, the Government ought to continue enhancing the role of youth in Agribusiness development. This create self employment and other indirect employment opportunities. The government should also continue revitalizing and equipping youth polytechnics and train youth at subsidized tuition scheme. This will enhance their capacity to work in the youth empowerment and public works programmes as Kenya intensifies its infrastructural development agenda.
