Incentivise Smart Agribusinesses to Create More Jobs

Kenya is at a crossroads. With high unemployment and a growing youthful population, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among youth aged 15-34 is around 38.9 percent. This situation is exacerbated by a rapidly growing population and a slow rate of job creation.

The youth, who form about 75 percent of the population, bear the brunt of this crisis, with many unable to find stable and meaningful employment and lead decent, fulfilling lives.

Therefore, there is a need for the authorities to bolster manufacturing. It is, however, agribusiness that offers the most promising path forward, given its many low-hanging fruits, including its potential to create jobs quickly and promote sustainable economic growth.

Value addition can significantly increase incomes and create jobs. For instance, in the dairy sector, instead of just selling milk, farmers should be supported to produce cheese, yoghurt, and butter, which fetch higher prices and generate jobs in processing and marketing. With proper extension services and policies, Kenya can be a country of plenty through smart agriculture.

The public and private sectors must work together to create an enabling environment for agribusiness. This includes investing in infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

Funding through grants and low-interest loans can also help young entrepreneurs start and grow their agribusiness ventures.

Source: Nation