GREEN JOBS INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS IN KENYA.

BY NJOKI KARANJA 

Nairobi, Kenya .

 In a concerted effort to combat the pressing issue of youth unemployment, a groundbreaking collaboration has been unveiled by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in conjunction with the Government of Kenya and Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA). This initiative, known as the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, aims to pioneer the National Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop, a pivotal event set to take place on May 3, 2024, in Nairobi.

During the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Esther Thaara Mworia, Principal Secretary for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), delivered an eloquent address, articulating the critical role of TVET in equipping the workforce with essential green skills.
 

The announcement was made during a high-profile roundtable event that convened various government ministries, prominent development partners, and senior stakeholders. Among the distinguished attendees were Principal Secretaries including Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno (State Dept. for Environment & Climate Change), Dr. Korir Sing'oei (State Dept. Foreign Affairs), Mr. Alex K. Wachira (State Department Energy), Mr. Shadrack Mwangolo Mwadime (State Department Labour and Skills Development), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria (State Department TVET), and Dr. Beatrice M. Inyangala (State Dept. Higher Education & Research).


The focus of the National Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop extends beyond mere rhetoric, seeking to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector, finance, and youth-led groups actively engaged in the country's green economy. This strategic gathering aims to consolidate existing efforts and foster synergies among stakeholders, thereby avoiding redundancy and maximizing impact.

Speaking passionately about the initiative, Eng. Festus Ng'eno emphasized the pivotal role of job creation in Kenya's economic agenda, particularly highlighting the imperative of innovation in generating green jobs and fostering green skills development. This aligns with the nation's commitments under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, underscoring Kenya's proactive stance towards sustainable development.

Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the vital role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in equipping the workforce with the requisite green skills essential for steering the nation towards a low-carbon development trajectory.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) initiative, is playing a pivotal role in partnering with the Kenyan government to address the escalating youth unemployment crisis. Dr. Rose Mwebaza, UNEP Africa Regional Office Director, highlighted Africa's unique demographic landscape and the potential dividends that strategic policies and investments in green job creation could yield.

Sellah Bogonko, CEO and Co-Founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa, underscored the urgency of bridging the gap between youth unemployment and the demand for skilled workforce in green sectors, emphasizing the transformative potential of this initiative.

The Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop will revolve around three core pillars: skills development, enterprise development, and financing. These pillars are designed to catalyze a comprehensive approach towards green job creation, ensuring that education, entrepreneurship, and funding mechanisms align harmoniously to drive sustainable economic growth and social inclusion.

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