The national youth
policy (2006) of Kenya defines youth as between 15 to 30 years. The majority of
Kenya’s population falls in this gap. Youth in Kenya are talented in sports,
the arts and entertainment. The youth unemployment problem is on the increase
as Kenya’s universities churn out thousands of graduates each year.
Realistically, the number of graduates produced every year cannot be absorbed
into the labour force of Kenya. This seems to be the development dilemma every
government faces.
With the coming in of
the Jubilee government in 2013, the jubilee manifesto focused mainly in
investing on the youth through improvement of education, infrastructure, and
access to opportunities such as SMEs for the youth. However, most of the
policies proposed are yet to be implemented 5 years on. The unemployment levels
are on the rise as more youth engage in crime and drug abuse as a result.
Many youth engage in
talents that is earning them respect from their peers and self-employment. The
jua kali sector is a great example of young people using skills and talents to
create employment opportunities. Young people are coming together to form bands
for example Hart the band, Sauti Sol, Elani among others who use their musical
talent to create their own employment and help others coming into the music
industry.
Talent is inborn and
can also be developed as a result of passion and interest. Other developed
nations for instance the United States of America encourage the development of
talent potential that eventually drives the economy. Many young people for
example in the United States are in the acting industry and earn millions
through film production and acting. Education is important and is the foundation
of key skill development. However, Talent cannot be overlooked in skill
enhancement and development in developing countries such as Kenya.
Africa needs to focus
on developing of talents for sustainable development. A talent does not cut off
creativity rather enhances it and the youth have a lot of energy that can be
put to good use. For instance many graffiti artists are making a living off
painting public service vehicles.
If we put this into
figures, it results in huge percentages of profit for government. Many families can afford healthcare, better
housing, access to education, food and eventually overcome poverty. Talent
development will ensure that the crime rate is reduced as more young people
will receive an incentive from using their talents in a positive way to enhance
their lives and those of their families.
Talent no doubt drives
innovation which leads to sustained livelihoods and economies. There have been
innovations in ICT, healthcare, mobile money,among others and still others are
coming up. Talent can so easily be used to train others for example ladies who
engage in basket weaving, or making of bags and other accessories as a talent
can train others hence we have a self-sufficient society and community.
The government needs to
create talent development centres for young people to share knowledge and train
others to have a self sustaining nation that will drive economic growth through
talent development. There needs to be encouragement of talent development over
employment. After all not everyone can be absorbed into the market. The
alternative plan of action will therefore be to have talent developed and
managed properly.
A system of integrity
needs to be built to ensure good governance of talent management. There should
be a policy on the youth to guide on the institution that will manage the youth
affairs in Kenya.
What are your views on
talent driving development in Kenya? Leave your views below
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