AN ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF YOUTHS UNEMPLOYMENT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The global financial and economic crisis has resulted in a significant increase in young unemployment rates worldwide. Nevertheless, prior to the onset of the crisis, the employment landscape, including the issue of young unemployment, had already emerged as a significant preoccupation in several nations. In the African context, the issue of young unemployment is further compounded by many factors, including a disproportionately large youth population compared to other areas, underdeveloped national labour markets, and enduringly high poverty rates. According to Bernards (2016), the territory's population is mostly composed of individuals under the age of 30, accounting for around 70 percent. Furthermore, just over 20 percent of the population falls within the age range of 15 to 24, indicating a significant presence of young individuals in the region. In recent times, the North Africa area, characterised by the highest rates of youth unemployment globally, has seen tumultuous social revolutions whereby the involvement of young individuals has been pivotal. These uprisings have resulted in significant unrest, with around one in four young people classified as unemployed in the region. There is a substantial body of research indicating that the issue of young unemployment and underemployment poses a significant challenge to the stability of countries in terms of their social, economic, and political dimensions (Enria, 2018). This assertion aligns with the growing corpus of scholarly research on the factors contributing to political instability and conflicts, as shown by the work of Fakih, Haimoun, and Kassem (2020). Cross-country data suggests two primary paths of theoretical inquiry. One body of views emphasises the significance of political repression in fueling war. According to Murad and Alshyab (2019), it may be argued that ethnic groups subjected to discriminatory practises are more inclined to engage in armed insurrections against the state. Additionally, wars are more prone to occur in undemocratic nations and societies characterised by significant social divides. This phenomenon is also prone to occur within societies that exhibit less polarisation, but where individuals experience marginalisation due to factors such as unemployment or severe poverty. An alternative group of ideas places more emphasis on economic circumstances as the primary determinant, rather than political issues. According to this perspective, it may be argued that poverty and declining income serve as catalysts for inciting civil wars. There are two potential explanations for this phenomenon. Firstly, poverty might contribute to the emergence of armed violence with the intention of stealing valuable assets and natural resources. Alternatively, it could be attributed to the low institutional ability of impoverished regimes to effectively suppress armed uprisings (Oosterom, 2018).  In Kenya, at reaching the age of 18, individuals are eligible to apply for a national identity card, which serves as a formal indication of their transition from a juvenile to an adult. According to the Kenyan constitution, a youngster is legally defined as a person within the age range of 18 to 34 years residing in the republic. According to the United Nations' criteria for defining youth, the young population in the nation amounts to 9.5 million individuals, or more than 20 percent of the total Kenyan population. The situation bears resemblance in the nation where there has been a gradual increase in both overall unemployment rates and specifically among the younger demographic (Oosterom, 2018). Upon achieving independence, Kenya saw unemployment and poverty as the primary obstacles confronting the nations within the East African region. Despite several governmental measures aimed at combating them, the same difficulties persist even after 50 years. One such example is the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which was introduced in 2006 with the objective of providing financial assistance and imparting essential expertise to individuals aged 18 to 35. This initiative aims to enable them to participate in economically sustainable endeavours (Ayo, 2019). Kenya's Vision 2030 aims to transform the nation into a newly industrialised middle-income country, with the objective of ensuring a good standard of living for all its residents by the year 2030. The formulation of the Labour and Employment Plan was aimed at prioritising the development of employment and the efficient use of human resources, as well as ensuring social protection measures. The aforementioned initiatives represent the endeavours undertaken by the Government of Kenya in its pursuit to combat the issue of unemployment. Nevertheless, despite the many endeavours made, the issue of unemployment, particularly among the younger population, remains prevalent (Oosterom, 2018).

The escalating issue of youth unemployment in Nairobi has become a prominent problem, as a significant number of young individuals tend to migrate to the urban centre in pursuit of improved work opportunities. The presence of intense rivalry among young individuals has had a significant impact on employment opportunities, as it has become more reliant on the concept of "who you know" in advocating for oneself. Consequently, this has resulted in a disadvantage for several young individuals who lack access to extensive networks, making it more difficult for them to get employment. The escalating issue of young unemployment in Nairobi is substantiated by the fact that over 5000 graduates have been actively seeking work opportunities throughout the period spanning from 2013 to 2015. The majority of individuals were unemployed for a duration of two to three years. Both the commercial and governmental sectors of the economy are confronted with the challenge of integrating these young individuals into the employment market. The level of trust a someone has, or lacks, in the political system may have a notable impact on their political engagement and involvement (Rezyk, 2016). However, confidence does not exclusively determine an individual's political stance. Political involvement is influenced by a combination of structural and institutional factors, as well as human characteristics and their socio-economic circumstances. The acquisition of gainful job has the potential to serve as a political asset for individuals, as outlined by Rezyk (2016). In a professional setting, it is possible for the workplace to provide political stimuli, which may manifest in many ways. This may include individuals who actively contribute to stimulating political opinions, as well as engaging in political debates among coworkers. Obtaining gainful job may provide individuals the opportunity to foster a sense of camaraderie with their peers, which, in turn, can foster a propensity for engaging in political endeavours aimed at improving the circumstances of their respective communities. Simultaneously, the acquisition of professional experience may foster a feeling of stability and self-assurance inside an individual, leading them to believe that their own political perspectives have significance and are consequential within the realm of politics. Therefore, the study assess the impact of youths unemployment on political participation in Kenya.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Attaining full employment is often seen as a fundamental element in the realisation of a nation's economic goals. The employment rate is often regarded as a crucial indicator of a nation's economic success (Rezyk, 2016). In the context of Kenya, it is a common occurrence for party manifestos to consistently pledge the elimination of unemployment, with a specific emphasis on addressing the issue of young unemployment. Nevertheless, the nation is confronted with substantial levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth demographic. The issue of young unemployment is persistent, despite several efforts made by various parties to tackle it. Unemployment among the youth is a prevalent factor contributing to political and social movements in many developing nations. These economies are primarily characterised by ongoing regional conflicts and challenging political transitions (Bernards & ILO, 2016).  Despite the significance of political engagement in the theoretical discourse around the ramifications of youth unemployment, there exists a dearth of empirical investigations examining the political behaviour of jobless young individuals. The aforementioned investigations have received significant attention in scholarly publications on a global scale (Sylor, 2016). Our research is characterised by its comprehensive nature, setting it apart from previous investigations. Hence, the need to look into the impact of youths unemployment on political participation in Kenya.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the impact of youths unemployment on political participation in Kenya. The specific objectives is as follows

i.                    Examine the factors responsible for youth unemployment in Kenya.

ii.                  Find out whether unemployed youths politically inclined when compared with employed youths in Kenya.

iii.                Assess the relationship between unemployment and youths political participation in Kenya.

1.3 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What are the factors responsible for youth unemployment in Kenya?

ii.        Are unemployed youths politically inclined when compared with employed youths in Kenya?

iii.      What is the relationship between unemployment and youths political participation in Kenya?

1.4 Significance of the study

The finding of the study is significant to the Kenya government as it will be exposed to the causes of unemployment  and it effects on the countrys political scene. Also, the findings of the study will reveal reasons why youth refuse to participate in the countrys political process.

The findings of the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing litterature.

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on the impact of youths unemployment on political participation in Kenya. Hence, the study will examine the factors responsible for youth unemployment in Kenya, find out whether unemployed youths politically inclined when compared with employed youths in Kenya and assess the relationship between unemployment and youths political participation in Kenya.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced

1.8       Definition of terms

Unemployment :  the condition of one who is capable of working, actively seeking work, but unable to find any work

Political participation: voluntary activities undertaken by the mass public to influence public policy