Nairobi — Kenya stands at a pivotal moment. Nearly three quarters of our population is under the age of 35, and the choices we make today will shape the country's future. Recognizing this demographic dividend, the Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019 calls for urgent action to empower young people to drive social, economic, and political transformation. It identifies critical areas of intervention employment, education, digital skills, health, sports, culture, and youth participation, while positioning youth not as passive beneficiaries, but as active drivers of innovation, enterprise, and national transformation.
Equipping youth with skills is no longer optional; it is urgent. Digital literacy, in particular, has become essential for self-employment, job creation, and meaningful participation in a rapidly evolving economy. Government initiatives such as the Digital Superhighway, which expands fiber-optic connectivity, broadband access, and e-government services, are critical enablers for youth to thrive in a digital economy. Programs like Huawei's solar-powered DigiTruck have already trained thousands in underserved communities, unlocking talent, building confidence, and fostering entrepreneurship. Similarly, the Ajira Digital Programme is opening doors for gig work, content creation, and coding, ensuring no talent goes untapped.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain the backbone of Kenya's economy accounting for 98 percent of businesses, employing nearly 15 million Kenyans, and contributing 40 percent of GDP. Youth-led MSMEs in agriculture, ICT, creative industries, sports, and online services are engines of innovation and job creation. Yet challenges persist: limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, low digital literacy, and restricted market access. A 2024 report by Safaricom and FSD Kenya showed that most MSMEs operate informally, nearly half close within a year, and many still rely on manual processes.
Digital skills can help transform this landscape. Training in e-commerce, digital marketing, cloud-based operations, and customer relationship management enables youth to expand markets, improve efficiency, and build customer loyalty. Mobile-based digital finance solutions, including credit scoring derived from mobile transactions, can unlock working capital for youth-led businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that enterprises embracing online platforms, cashless payments, and hybrid models survived and thrived, proving that digital readiness is no longer optional.
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ICT also enables youth to discover, nurture, and monetize their talents. Online learning platforms, mentorship networks, and innovation hubs provide avenues to identify strengths, gain practical experience, and scale ideas. Skills in content creation, coding, digital marketing, creative arts, agritech, and online services can be converted into income-generating opportunities. With affordable digital tools and stronger intellectual property protection, youth-led enterprises can reach global markets and uplift local communities.
Agriculture remains a critical sector for youth innovation. The 2024 East Africa Women and Youth-led MSMEs in Agricultural Value-Chains Report by Sauti East Africa found that 72 percent of MSMEs are youth-led, with many managed by women. While 87 percent of youth have at least primary education, limited access to advanced training hinders growth. Yet 43 percent already use smartphones to access markets and services, showing technology's power to transform even traditional sectors. From agro-processing to digital marketing, young Kenyans are redefining agriculture. The government has introduced several initiatives to support youth entrepreneurship. The proposed MSME Policy Amendment Bill of 2025 aims to build a more competitive and inclusive sector.
In June, President William Ruto announced a Sh.5 billion grant targeting over 100,000 small businesses nationwide. Programs such as National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), supported by the World Bank, provide mentorship, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, ensuring talent translates into sustainable livelihoods. Regional initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area also emphasizes youth and women in agricultural value chains, highlighting their role in driving growth. But government action alone is not enough. Public-private partnerships are bridging opportunity gaps. Aligning corporate expertise with public-sector vision can expand opportunities for youth in high-demand areas such as e-commerce, digital marketing, coding, cybersecurity, and data analytics, skills in demand both locally and globally.
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Kenya's youth are not the problem; they are a solution. Across agriculture, creative industries, ICT, sports, and online services, they are already building the economy of tomorrow. With supportive policies, access to digital skills, and resources to nurture talent, young Kenyans can innovate, create jobs, and drive an inclusive society.
The overwhelming response to NYOTA, with over one million applications in just three months, shows the scale of demand for structured, sustainable youth empowerment. The Kenya Youth Development Policy, alongside initiatives like BETA, the Digital Superhighway, and NYOTA, provides a strong framework. Kenya's youth are ready. What they need is the right environment to thrive and when that happens, they will power our nation's transformation.
Mr. Fikirini is the Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy
