According to early 2026 report done by KNBS, data shows that 67 per cent of Kenyan youths are unemployed. The unemployment factors such as declining economic growth, inefficiencies, corruption and graduate exploitation is pushing young Kenyans to turn into entrepreneurs in order to achieve economic independence.
Around Rongo University, business is establishing itself as a catalyst for change and daily survival. As days turns into weeks, and into months and years, students open new businesses.
Silvester Ooko, a third year student is an emerging entrepreneur working at Skylink electronics. During free time, he ensures he reports to work to offer various services such us selling electronics gadgets and doing repairs.
“At Skylink electronics, I work as part time job because I also have lectures to attend but due to various life challenges, I was employed here and I can support myself, ” he said.
He said the job helps him achieve his needs and it requires discipline of time management in order to balance between school and business.
Entrepreneurship has various advantages to youths across Kenya. For instance at Rongo university young entrepreneurs not only get income but also are able to socialize and engage with others thus building relationships. Through that, students are able to learn new skills everyday since campus has various people with different skills and from different background.
ALSO READ;
Murang’a school heads alarmed by surge in retiree gratuity claims
“I meet different customers including experts who have the market skills and I am able to learn from them, ” he added.
Entrepreneurship also encounters significant obstacles in the country. Lack of capital or inadequate capital, many Kenyan youths do have the ambition of starting their own ventures. This makes most of them loose hope in entrepreneurship. Limited mentorship is also a problem facing youths. Some youths start business not because they have experience or skills but to country’s tough economy. In addition, societal expectation and balancing between school and business is not easy.
Silvester shared his experience about the collision between serving his customers and a CAT.
“Sometimes I had to sacrifice part of my sleeping time in order to cover up some assignments and also read for exams. ”
Mercy Clara ( not her real name) is another young entrepreneur who started his own business of beauty shop where she offers services such as pedicure, hair services and selling cosmetic products. She shared of having an ambition and passion of opening her own business.
” Youths should not wait to be employed because we came to campus to gain skills and market can’t promise all of us job securing.” She advised.
Youth employment rate in Kenya is low, therefore youths should integrate the use of Artificial intelligence to solve problems facing our country. Soft skills such as computer literacy, Artificial intelligence skills and be creative enough to ensure AI does not replaces human creativity. Being adaptive, good communication skills, ethics and social media usage skills.
“Youths can use social media accounts to advertise their ideas, skills, services and products therefore increasing sales.
Young entrepreneurs should have mindset of growing despite the market fluctuation. Many university students have ambition of opening their business and employ others to rate of unemployment in Kenya. The fact that young entrepreneurs around campus have idea of the trends and are quickly adaptable can help them face challenges, improve the economy, and shaping future of young enterprises.
By Faith Oloo, Rongo University.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
