Determinants of youth labor force, participation in Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan youth form the largest source of human resource, yet face numerous challenges in their efforts to participate in the labor market. It is therefore essential to understand their circumstances through comprehensive research so as to institute proactive strategies for helping them. This study, whose objectives were to identify and analyze the factors that influence youth labor force participation in Kenya, provides information on relevant factors that a youth considers while making the choice. Secondary data from the ILFS 1998/99 were utilized. Probit techniques were used to explain the determinants of youth labor force participation. The results indicate that education and other socio-economic characteristics are important determinants of youth labor force participation. The study recommends investment in instruments to reduce family size and increase household income, government policies that minimize favoritism towards men, supporting girl's education, reducing government expenditure on higher education and supporting technical/vocational training. An economic policy environment that is favorable for low skill labor-intensive techniques of production (especially in the informal and agricultural sectors) would help absorb the new entrants into the labor market, which would be favorable for the unemployed youth .