the challenge of youth unemployment eduardo zepeda united nations department for economic and social...

The challenge of youth unemployment

Eduardo ZepedaUnited Nations Department for

Economic and Social Affairs

Youth and adult unemployment rates: highest for 18-25 years

Working-age population by activities

The transition from school to work

Unemployment rates higher for urban residents and females

Youth unemployment is primary and secondary education

The odds of landing a formal job rise with education and age

Unemployment higher among the poor but continuous fall; among rich it peaks 20-25 yrs

Wage variation by age and area

Profits of household enterprises by age & area (Thousand of KShs over six-months)

Source of start-up capital (fq)Own sources; banks after 30 years

Number of young people employed in KKV public works (350k vs 2m)

Summary

• Demography influences but it is a youth problem• Among primary and secondary is more acute• Non-formally educated & tertiary “special” case• Among ages 18-25 years• Urban and female• Find a formal job or start an informal• Youth head enterprises after 25 years & profits peak after 30 years• Performance based on location, credit, client• Current program is ok, needs to evaluate & scale up• Education is key

THANKS