Youth unemployment is arguably the most pressing challenge facing our society today. With each successive government falling short in addressing this issue, the situation has become increasingly dire, leading to a rise in sporadic demonstrations led by the youth. Unfortunately, the government’s priorities often do not align with effectively tackling unemployment, as competing interests and global dynamics can easily obstruct efforts to alleviate this pressing concern.
However, the responsibility for solving this problem does not rest solely on the government. The cooperative movement has immense potential to unlock solutions to youth unemployment, especially with the right support and collaboration from the government.
The contribution of cooperatives to the country’s economy is well-documented in official economic records and observed in daily life. Yet, a significant demographic gap exists within these cooperatives, as the majority of their membership is comprised of older individuals, while the Kenyan population skews younger. This disparity represents both a challenge and an opportunity in addressing youth unemployment.
To bridge this gap, cooperatives should not just aim to increase youthful membership but also create a vibrant ecosystem where jobless youths can innovate, develop skills, and generate new job opportunities. This aligns with the foundational philosophy of cooperatives: to elevate the economic status of society from low levels to self-sustainable heights. While progress has been made, much more remains to be done.
I firmly believe that the cooperative movement can emerge as a key player in reducing youth unemployment while simultaneously bolstering the social economy. By implementing innovative programs and initiatives, cooperatives can effectively address this pressing crisis.
  Forge Strategic Partnerships
Agricultural cooperatives, including dairy and coffee cooperatives, should intensify their collaborations with county governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to design structured programs targeting youth unemployment. Collaborating with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and county youth funds can enable these cooperatives to offer apprenticeships and skills training in agribusiness and value addition.
 Targeted Support for Marginalized Youth
Cooperatives should develop tailored programs for marginalized groups, including former street-connected youth, women in rural areas, and persons with disabilities. This could involve providing mentorship, work experience, and foundational digital skills. Additionally, offering financial literacy training and microloans can empower these individuals to take charge of their economic futures.
  Collaboration with Government Initiatives
Collaborating with existing government social empowerment programs, such as Ajira Digital, can help make these initiatives more accessible and beneficial for rural youth. Establishing mentorship programs with successful cooperative members and encouraging businesses to offer flexible roles and internship opportunities can provide young people with valuable exposure and work experience.
Advocacy for Inclusive Hiring Practices
Cooperatives should institutionalize fair hiring policies, such as reserving job openings for youth and marginalized groups. For instance, public transport cooperatives, like matatus, could prioritize hiring reformed youth from informal settlements as drivers or conductors. Furthermore, cooperatives should actively lobby for policies that incentivize the hiring of marginalized groups, including tax incentives.
Documenting Social Impact
It’s crucial for cooperatives to document and communicate the impact of their social initiatives, such as the number of youth trained or employed. Utilizing success stories can help attract funding from local and international donors, enabling the scaling of these initiatives.
Â
 Leveraging Cooperative Values for Social Impact
The strong Ujamaa spirit, or collective economics, prevalent in agricultural cooperatives can be extended to shared ownership models, such as youth-led cooperative enterprises. Profits generated by cooperatives can be reinvested into supporting youth hubs and initiatives that empower young people.
A noteworthy example of these practices can be found in the Fairer Future initiative in the UK, led by Midcounties Co-op and Miss Macaroon. This initiative encourages businesses to provide taster days, flexible roles, and mentorship, emphasizing fairness and inclusivity as core cooperative principles.
In conclusion, the cooperative movement in Kenya has the potential to revolutionize the approach to youth unemployment. Its unique position to engage with every community makes it an ideal sector to lead in forming multi-stakeholder partnerships, creating targeted upskilling programs for at-risk youth, and advocating for inclusive policies. By stepping up to this challenge, cooperatives can play a transformative role in nurturing a generation that is economically empowered and socially engaged.
