Authors :
Mboha Oloo Joseph; Barack Calvince Omondi; Jane Khasoa Lusenaka
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4zxb97hk
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8370141
Abstract :
Of the 73 million jobs created between 2000
and 2012 in Africa, only 16 million went to the youth .As
the demographic youth bulge problem worsens and
employment opportunities for this cohort remain
stagnant, youth unemployment becomes a serious threat
to African countries as well to the global peace and
security. Kenya’s population is largely youthful, and like
the trends in Africa, more youths have post-secondary
education with hundreds graduating from all post-
secondary levels every year; implying the need for
employment skills based on market demands. This study
interrogates the influence of skill-sets offered at through
the NGAAF sponsorship on youth employability asked on
Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties – which were the
pioneer implementers of this empowerment program –
the study employs mixed methods design to collect and
analyze data from across concerned stakeholders of the
program – primarily from the program beneficiaries-
Quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS via
descriptive statistics and qualitative through thematic
content analysis procedures.. Corroboration of survey
and qualitative analyses revealed that out of the 15 skill
sets offered, Quick-Service Oriented Skills (QSOS)
demonstrated higher employability rates compared to
High Demanding Technical Skills Courses (HTSCs). Post-
training, participants in sectors like hospitality, beauty
therapy, and salon-related trades exhibited favorable
employment rates. Practical training and industry
relevance emerged as key factors contributing to
successful transitions into employment. The study
highlights the importance of continuous support and
bursaries for sustained engagement in training.
Recommendations include prioritizing practical,
industry-oriented training, aligning courses with market
demand, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and
emphasizing proactive engagement among youth.
Overall, by embracing these recommendations, the
NGAAF program and relevant actors can effectively
address youth unemployment and enhance economic
prospects in Kenya.
Keywords :
Kenya, NGAAF, Youth employability, and Youth Empowerment.
Of the 73 million jobs created between 2000
and 2012 in Africa, only 16 million went to the youth .As
the demographic youth bulge problem worsens and
employment opportunities for this cohort remain
stagnant, youth unemployment becomes a serious threat
to African countries as well to the global peace and
security. Kenya’s population is largely youthful, and like
the trends in Africa, more youths have post-secondary
education with hundreds graduating from all post-
secondary levels every year; implying the need for
employment skills based on market demands. This study
interrogates the influence of skill-sets offered at through
the NGAAF sponsorship on youth employability asked on
Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties – which were the
pioneer implementers of this empowerment program –
the study employs mixed methods design to collect and
analyze data from across concerned stakeholders of the
program – primarily from the program beneficiaries-
Quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS via
descriptive statistics and qualitative through thematic
content analysis procedures.. Corroboration of survey
and qualitative analyses revealed that out of the 15 skill
sets offered, Quick-Service Oriented Skills (QSOS)
demonstrated higher employability rates compared to
High Demanding Technical Skills Courses (HTSCs). Post-
training, participants in sectors like hospitality, beauty
therapy, and salon-related trades exhibited favorable
employment rates. Practical training and industry
relevance emerged as key factors contributing to
successful transitions into employment. The study
highlights the importance of continuous support and
bursaries for sustained engagement in training.
Recommendations include prioritizing practical,
industry-oriented training, aligning courses with market
demand, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and
emphasizing proactive engagement among youth.
Overall, by embracing these recommendations, the
NGAAF program and relevant actors can effectively
address youth unemployment and enhance economic
prospects in Kenya.
Keywords :
Kenya, NGAAF, Youth employability, and Youth Empowerment.
