Even though there are insufficient jobs in the formal sector, the time has come for us to change the mindset of our youth, especially those who are graduating from our universities to start looking at the idea of becoming independent service providers rather than job seekers. This means joining the gig economy.
This approach requires every leader, policy maker, academic and also young people to start looking at how the gig economy can be promoted. This will especially require a de-emphasis on jobs by those in leadership.
The future of our country depends on the knowledge and energy of our youth hence the need to encourage them.
The African Youth Survey 2022 captured comprehensive feedback from youth in 15 African countries. What caught my attention was the question of how the youth felt regarding whether their country was heading in the right or wrong direction.
It revealed that the youth in Rwanda have the most positive outlook with 60 percent feeling that the country is heading in the right direction.
It was rather disturbing to note that Kenya was ranked at position 13 in terms of positive outlook with a mere 16 percent of youth feeling we are headed in the right direction.
We are already witnessing how a lack of hope is manifesting in the rising cases of crime, alcoholism, and drug abuse among the youth.
There is also an increase in depression and suicide cases. According to CDC data from a 2019 study, of the 21 percent of adults experiencing any depressive symptoms majority were between 18 and 29 years old.
This is because it is the time when as young adults, they are transitioning from educational to career pursuits. At this crucial stage what they need is hope so that they can focus their energies on meaningful pursuits and the gig sector is our best bet.
Dr Mwangi is the Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School.
