The government’s drive to promote digital job opportunities has sparked a range of reactions among the youth in the country.
A recent study done by youth led organization, Siasa Place has shed light on what young individuals like and dislike about this initiative.
One of the key aspects that the youth appreciate is the flexibility offered by digital jobs.
Many young people value the ability to work remotely, which allows for a better work-life balance and eliminates the need for a traditional office setup.
Additionally, the accessibility of online work enables youth from various backgrounds to access job opportunities that might have been geographically limited in the past.
According to the study, 54% of respondents said they liked programs like Ajira, which provided training to equip youth with the necessary skills for digital/online job opportunities.
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35% of them appreciated the government’s efforts to popularize digital jobs, as they provide alternative employment and self-employment options for interested individuals.
Some respondents felt the government’s campaign has ensured adequate information is available on digital/online jobs, though 2% noted the government could do more through Ajira and similar programs.
What Youths Don’t like about the Push for Digital Jobs
However, not all aspects of the government’s push for digital jobs are met with enthusiasm by the youth.
Contrary to the positive views, a majority of the respondents (25.5%) believe that there are very limited opportunities that digital/online jobs can offer.
“Most youth consider these jobs mostly as ‘part-time’ and short-term opportunities to enable them to keep up with economic hardships or as a ‘landing space’ as they are actively searching for a ‘real’ job,” read the report.
Additionally, 22% of the respondents believe that there is insufficient training and preparation for these job opportunities, while 14% believe that these jobs do not solve the unemployment problem.
Furthermore, 16% believe that despite the government push there is still a lack of adequate information regarding digital jobs.
Challenges faced by youth
The study also reveals the challenges faced by youth in their pursuit of meaningful work.
Lack of flexible structures and workspaces, the constant need for upskilling, and limited access to hardware and internet connectivity are some of the key hurdles.
Lack of Flexible Structures and Workspaces: Some youth, like 25-year-old Yassin who works for an NGO, desire more “freedom” and “flexibility” in work arrangements that do not always adjust to the changing nature of work.
Yassin dislikes the idea of going to the office every day and feels his opinions are often overlooked due to his young age and lack of experience.
He believes incorporating flexi-time would allow him and others like him to work from home, boost productivity, and improve mental health.
Constant Need for Upskilling: Maintaining and expanding one’s skillset is a constant challenge, especially for those in full-time employment.
34-year-old Karisa, a paramedic, feels he has limited time to gain additional skills outside his workplace, fearing he is falling behind his freelancer peers who must constantly learn and re-learn for their various projects.
Access to Hardware and Connectivity: Access to digital opportunities is limited to those with the right devices, such as computers and smartphones, as well as reliable internet connectivity.
While many youths may have access to basic mobile phones, the study finds several barriers to meaningful engagement with digital work, as there are limitations to what can be done on a mobile device alone.
As 28-year-old Faith from Kibera points out, “Taking advantage of digital opportunities presupposes access to electricity and internet bundles.”
Networks, Taxation, and Gatekeeping: Some youth feel that personal networks are a major determinant of success in finding, keeping, and expanding work opportunities, including in the digital job market.
Some feel that there are ‘gatekeepers’ who dominate the space and present barriers to entry and success for young individuals.
Participants also raised concerns about taxation or threats of taxation for gig work, despite a lack of government provided infrastructure.
Access to Capital and Fear of Loans: Lack of capital is a significant hindrance to youth-owned businesses, despite the rise of digital lenders.
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However, youth fear the stress and potential exploitation associated with taking on loans, especially from predatory lenders.
The Internship Trap: Some young individuals, like 27-year-old Edwin, find themselves stuck in a cycle of unpaid internships, unable to break free and secure stable employment.
Others, like 30-year-old Zuleha from Mombasa, are unable to take on unpaid internships due to the need for a source of income to cover basic expenses.
Aspirations for the future
Despite these challenges, the youth still have aspirations for the future.
While some are optimistic about starting their own businesses, others hope to secure full-time traditional jobs or find flexible work that can accommodate their needs.
However, the growing concern about the impact of Artificial Intelligence and numerous global poly crisis has dampened the enthusiasm of some youth, who feel that the future is uncertain.
As the government continues to push for digital and online job opportunities, it is crucial to address the concerns and challenges raised by the youth so as to create a more inclusive and sustainable job market for younger generations.
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