In today’s rapidly evolving world, addressing unemployment among the youth is a pressing concern. Kenya, with its growing population of job seekers, faces a significant challenge in providing meaningful opportunities for its young workforce. However, amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges through the convergence of digital health and innovative private sector-led initiatives. The Call for Solutions – Kenya, initiated by CFYE (Challenge Fund for Youth Employment), seeks to co-invest in pioneering ventures that offer access to skilled personnel and promote decent employment, particularly in sectors such as green jobs, agri-business, renewable energy, e-processing, and e-health.
The Challenge of Youth Unemployment in Kenya
With a staggering 35% of Kenya’s youth population, comprising 17 million individuals, currently unemployed or underemployed, the urgency to create job opportunities cannot be understated. This predicament is even more pronounced for young women, with nearly half of them facing unemployment or underemployment. The need to harness the potential of the youth, align their skills with available opportunities, and integrate them successfully into the labor market is paramount.
Digital Health: A Beacon of Opportunity
The rise of digital health has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the challenge of unemployment. The widespread use of mobile devices and easy access to mobile data have propelled the adoption of digital health solutions. These solutions have significantly enhanced healthcare access and delivery, particularly relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. As physical interactions became restricted, digital health technologies stepped in to bridge the gap, providing vital healthcare services while reducing strain on traditional healthcare systems.
A Convergence of Solutions
While unemployment remains a concern, the growth of digital health opens doors to both job creation and improved healthcare. This convergence presents a unique opportunity to address health challenges while simultaneously generating employment opportunities for the youth. By leveraging digital health technologies, Kenya can usher in a future where its burgeoning job seekers can explore promising roles within the expanding digital health landscape.
CFYE’s Call for Solutions
CFYE’s Round 3 of the Call for Solutions in Kenya is geared towards fostering partnerships that offer digital business development services (BDS) and green job opportunities at scale. The focus areas include agro-processing, agro-logistics, renewable energy, and e-health solutions. The call is specifically seeking:
- Partnership/Consortium building between private sector employers and collaborators to impact youth employment.
- Systemic solutions that target systemic bottlenecks, positively influencing the overall ecosystem.
Green Jobs: Paving the Way to Sustainability
One of the key strategies to address climate change and promote sustainable economic development is through green jobs. These employment opportunities lie in sectors that contribute to environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, conservation of natural resources, and waste reduction. From solar panel installers to organic farmers, green jobs span diverse industries, playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.
Eligibility Criteria for Success
For organizations and projects to be eligible for CFYE’s Call for Solutions, the following criteria apply:
- Adherence to CFYE’s guiding principles and priorities.
- Compliance with FMO exclusion criteria.
- Private-sector driven initiatives, with a focus on partnerships with at least one private sector employer.
- Local operating presence in Kenya.
- Priority given to sectors like green jobs, agri-business, renewable energy, e-processing, and e-health.
- Creation, matching, or improvement of at least 500 jobs for youth.
- A minimum of 50% of jobs for women.
- Decent employment opportunities for youth aged 18-35.
- Project duration not exceeding two years.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying to CFYE’s Call for Solutions, the application brochure and relevant documentation can be accessed through their website: Using this LINK The competitive process ensures that projects demonstrating a clear pathway to significant and sustainable youth employment outcomes will be selected.
Conclusion
The Call for Solutions – Kenya, initiated by CFYE, presents a remarkable opportunity to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment while embracing the potential of digital health and sustainable sectors like green jobs. By investing in innovative private sector-led initiatives, Kenya can create a pathway to decent employment for its youth, fostering economic growth, social stability, and a brighter future.
FAQs
- What is CFYE’s Call for Solutions – Kenya? CFYE’s Call for Solutions aims to co-invest in private sector-led initiatives that provide access to skilled personnel and promote decent employment for youth in sectors like green jobs, agri-business, renewable energy, e-processing, and e-health.
- Why is digital health important for Kenya’s youth? Digital health technologies enhance healthcare access and delivery, offering employment opportunities while addressing health challenges, especially in times of crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.
- What are green jobs? Green jobs refer to employment opportunities that contribute to environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, conservation, and waste reduction. They play a crucial role in addressing climate change.
- Who is eligible to apply for CFYE’s Call for Solutions? Private-sector employers and organizations with a local presence in Kenya can apply, particularly those focusing on sectors like green jobs, agri-business, renewable energy, e-processing, and e-health.
- How can I apply for CFYE’s Call for Solutions? You can access the application brochure and relevant documentation on CFYE’s website, following their guidelines for a competitive application process.
