We Are Kenya’s Future: Young People and Our Nation’s Growth

Summary

The video script addresses the potential of Kenya's youth, aged 10-24, to drive economic growth through a demographic dividend. It emphasizes the importance of access to contraceptives, quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities. The script calls for youth-friendly services, equal educational opportunities, and the inclusion of young people in governance to ensure a prosperous future for Kenya, aligning with the Vision 2030 goal of 10% annual GDP growth.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Kenya has a large youth population aged 10 to 24, totaling 15 million, which is a significant demographic group for the country's future.
• 📈 The demographic dividend refers to the potential economic growth that can occur when a country has a higher proportion of working-age individuals relative to dependents.
• 👶 Birth rates in Kenya have been declining, which is a key factor in creating a demographic dividend, as it leads to a larger working-age population.
• 💊 Access to modern contraceptive methods has increased among married women in Kenya, contributing to smaller, healthier, and more financially stable families.
• 🏥 Improving healthcare, particularly youth-friendly services, is crucial for the health and economic potential of Kenya's youth.
• 🏫 Education is a critical area that needs investment, with a focus on quality and equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
• 👩‍💼 Empowering young people with quality education and skills is essential for their participation in the job market and for economic growth.
• 💼 Job growth, especially in modern agriculture and non-agricultural sectors, is vital for the youth entering the workforce and for reducing unemployment.
• 🏛️ Good governance, including reducing corruption, is necessary to create an environment where young people can actively participate in policy-making and hold decision-makers accountable.
• 🌐 The script calls for a youth-friendly approach to health, education, jobs, and governance to unlock Kenya's demographic dividend and achieve the Vision 2030 goal of 10% annual GDP growth.

Q & A

What is the demographic dividend mentioned in the script?

The demographic dividend refers to the potential for faster economic growth that can occur when a country's birth rate decreases, leading to a population structure where there are more working-age individuals than young children and elderly, allowing for increased investment in the future.

How has the use of modern contraceptive methods among married women in Kenya changed over the years?

The percentage of married women using modern contraceptive methods in Kenya has grown tremendously, from 32% in 2003 to just over 53% in 2014.

Why is delaying marriage and pregnancy important for young people in Kenya?

Delaying marriage and pregnancy allows young people to attain a higher level of education and qualify for better jobs, which can contribute to their personal development and economic growth.

What challenges do rural Kenyans face in accessing healthcare?

Rural Kenyans face challenges such as health facilities being far from where they live and often being understaffed, which denies them the highest attainable standard of health.

How does improving overall healthcare contribute to economic growth in Kenya?

Improving overall healthcare ensures people are healthy and fit to drive the economy, boosting children's health and nutrition, which leads to better health, more job opportunities, and more income in adulthood.

What is the current state of primary and secondary school completion rates in Kenya?

There have been improvements in primary and secondary school completion rates in Kenya, but they are uneven, with some counties having only one in ten people complete secondary school, and girls' completion rates still lower than boys in certain counties.

What does quality education entail in the context of the script?

Quality education includes having access to exercise books, textbooks, and pens, as well as equal opportunities for all to attend school and achieve the highest level of education.

Why is job growth critical for young people entering the workforce in Kenya?

Job growth is critical because many young people in Kenya are unemployed, and there is a need for job availability in modern agriculture and non-agricultural sectors such as manufacturing and knowledge-based industries.

How can Kenya improve job growth for young people?

Kenya can improve job growth by providing young people with opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and by mentoring them to build good governance.

What role should young people have in shaping policies that impact their lives?

Young people should have the opportunity to shape policies that impact their lives, engage with decision-makers, have their voices heard, and hold policymakers accountable to their commitments.

What is Kenya's Vision 2030 goal in relation to GDP growth?

Kenya's Vision 2030 goal is to achieve 10% GDP growth each year, which can be supported by investing in youth-friendly access to sexual and reproductive health care, education, jobs, and governance.