About
80 percent of East Africa’s
population is below 35 years of age, and the median age is estimated to be approximately
18 years. Our future is in the hands of this unprecedented large proportion of
young people. Hence the future is not out there, nor is it some unknowable instance
in the misty horizon.
Through the
combined actions or omissions of the old and young, we are employed in the
active construction of both the present and the future. But more specifically
those youthful today, are the true curators of the future.
The
East African Institute of the Aga Khan University commissioned a survey of
youth in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania between 2014 and 2015 to understand
their values and attitudes, concerns and aspirations. To paraphrase
Irish author, political theorist and philosopher, Edmund Burke; if we
understand the sentiments that preoccupy youth today we can shape what the
future could look like.
The
Kenya Youth Survey report was released yesterday in Nairobi. The report reveals
important and surprising insights, and offers reasons both for optimism, deep
concern and the need for urgent action. Moreover, some of the findings are
contradictory and counter intuitive.
The
good news is that Kenya is not hopelessly fractured along ethnic lines; 40
percent of youth identify as Kenyans first, while 35 percent identify as youth
first. About 12 percent identify by their faith first. Less than 5 percent of the
youth identify by their ethnicity first. Less than one percent identify as East
Africans first. Moreover, when asked what they value most, 85 percent value
faith first, 60 percent value family first, 45 percent value work first. The
report also suggests that we could be reaping the benefits of massive expansion
of primary and secondary education. About 78 percent of the youth had post
primary education. Only 22 percent had primary
education as the highest level of education.
What is cause for deep concern is the dearth
of integrity. About 30 percent believe corruption is profitable, 50 percent
believe it doesn’t
matter how one makes money as long as one does not end up in jail, only 40
percent strongly believe that it is important to pay taxes, 35 percent of the
youth would readily take or give a bribe and, over 70 percent of the youth are
afraid to stand up for what is right for fear of retribution. Moreover, while
70 percent of the youth believe it is important to vote 62 percent are
vulnerable to electoral fraud, with 40 percent stating categorically, that they
would only vote for a candidate who bribed them.
About
50 percent of the youth were aware of government initiatives for youth. Only 24
percent of the youth have benefited from government-initiated youth programs.
Unemployment and lack of access to capital were the two most important concerns
the youth feel must be addressed urgently. About 68 percent of young rural
women were unemployed. Nearly 1 in 2 youth with a university degree was unemployed.
While 48 percent would like to go into business, only 1 in 5 youth are in
self-employment.
The
youth are optimistic and pessimistic about the future. Optimistic because 77
percent of the youth believe Kenya will be richer materially, with better
access to quality education and health, and more jobs for youth; 67 percent
believe society will reward merit and hard work. Pessimistic because 40 percent
believe there will be more corruption, and 30% believe the country will be
poorer in ethics and values, and substance abuse will be rampant.
The staggering lack of
opportunity and the dearth of integrity among youth demands urgent action. The
capacity of our economy to create opportunity for the youth remains weak
especially in the decade when Kenya recorded the highest headline GDP
growth. A high
tolerance for corruption, tax evasion and a corruptible electorate could stymie
economic progress and undermine democracy by making politics and leadership the
precinct of a corrupt cabal.
The
Kenya Youth Survey report does not prescribe solutions or policy
recommendations. Instead, it furnishes key evidence that could inform the
collective search for a shared framework for policies, programs and actions
necessary to prepare Kenya’s
youth to thrive and lead in a competitive and globalized world. The report is
also an invitation to all stakeholders to earnest dialogue, debate and new
questions to inform and shape new research priorities.
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