The challenge of youth unemployment

Eduardo ZepedaUnited Nations Department for

Economic and Social Affairs

Youth and adult unemployment rates: highest for 18-25 years

Working-age population by activities

The transition from school to work

Unemployment rates higher for urban residents and females

Youth unemployment is primary and secondary education

The odds of landing a formal job rise with education and age

Unemployment higher among the poor but continuous fall; among rich it peaks 20-25 yrs

Wage variation by age and area

Profits of household enterprises by age & area (Thousand of KShs over six-months)

Source of start-up capital (fq)Own sources; banks after 30 years

Number of young people employed in KKV public works (350k vs 2m)

Summary

• Demography influences but it is a youth problem• Among primary and secondary is more acute• Non-formally educated & tertiary “special” case• Among ages 18-25 years• Urban and female• Find a formal job or start an informal• Youth head enterprises after 25 years & profits peak after 30 years• Performance based on location, credit, client• Current program is ok, needs to evaluate & scale up• Education is key

THANKS