- He highlights the potential economic impact of local production, stating, “If every student entering Form One wore shoes made in Kenya, think about how many pairs that would be. If all school uniforms were produced by polytechnics and craft centers, we could transform the job landscape. If young people know that graduating from vocational training guarantees them a job, they will flock to these centers.”
Political analyst, Professor Herman Manyora has voiced strong criticism regarding the lack of effective policies contributing to the rising joblessness in Kenya. He argues that numerous opportunities exist for youth employment if appropriate measures are implemented.
“In the village, if your car breaks down, see if you can find anyone to help you manage it. Why don’t we organize young people to learn basic automotive engineering?” Manyora questioned. “Even for simple electrical repairs, there’s often no one available.”
He points out the scarcity of basic services such as plumbing and mechanics, emphasizing that these roles represent viable job opportunities in the country. “We often discuss vocational training, but even when young people learn carpentry or masonry, they struggle to find work. When a local school needs classrooms built, big contractors take over, sidelining local talent,” he explained.
Manyora proposes that policies should be established to ensure that local artisans, trained in polytechnics, are prioritized for community projects. “Why can’t we insist that all beds in boarding schools are manufactured by local craftspeople?” he asked.
He has raised concerns about exploitative recruitment practices. “We allow greed to prevail, with agencies recruiting young women into exploitative situations for profit. We must create favorable conditions in this country to ensure our youth can find meaningful employment,” Manyora urged.
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The political analyst highlights the potential economic impact of local production, stating, “If every student entering Form One wore shoes made in Kenya, think about how many pairs that would be. If all school uniforms were produced by polytechnics and craft centers, we could transform the job landscape. If young people know that graduating from vocational training guarantees them a job, they will flock to these centers.”
Manyora seeks to question the future of the nation, saying, "If young graduates continue to face unemployment, we must ask ourselves what kind of a city like Nairobi become when millions of educated young people find themselves on the streets without jobs.”
