The Dilemma of Africa's Youth: A System Rigged Against Their Success

In Africa, a continent bursting with youthful energy and potential, the dreams of millions of young people are being systematically stifled by a rigged system. For many young men and women, particularly in Kenya, the harsh reality is that the odds are stacked against them from the very beginning. The barriers they face—lack of access to capital, crippling debt, and pervasive corruption—make it almost impossible to break free from the cycle of poverty and unemployment.

A Vicious Cycle: From Graduation to Unemployment

The journey for many young Africans begins with the pursuit of higher education, a path seen as the gateway to a better future. However, the reality for graduates in Kenya is starkly different. On average, it takes a graduate five years to secure their first job. This extended period of unemployment not only delays their entry into the workforce but also sets the stage for a lifetime of financial instability.

During this time, the pressure to repay student loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) builds up. Without a steady income, many graduates default on their loans, leading to immediate blacklisting by credit bureaus. This blacklisting effectively shuts the door on any future financial assistance, as banks and other financial institutions are unwilling to extend loans to those with poor credit ratings.

The Catch-22 of Capital Access

Access to capital is a critical ingredient for entrepreneurship, yet it remains out of reach for most young people in Kenya. The inability to secure a job means that graduates cannot repay their student loans, and being listed as a defaulter bars them from accessing any form of credit. This creates a Catch-22 situation: without a job, they can't repay their loans, and without repaying their loans, they can't access the funds needed to start a business.

This financial exclusion is particularly devastating in a country where entrepreneurship is often the only viable path to economic stability. For young Kenyans with innovative ideas and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the lack of access to capital is a death knell for their dreams.

The Corruption Barrier

As if the challenges of unemployment and financial exclusion were not enough, the pervasive corruption in Kenya adds another layer of difficulty. Government jobs, which could provide some relief, are often out of reach for young people who cannot afford to pay the bribes that are frequently required. Reports indicate that securing a government job can require a bribe of at least $3,000—an astronomical sum for someone who has been unemployed for years.

Moreover, even applying for a government job requires clearance from HELB, meaning that those who have defaulted on their student loans are automatically disqualified. This system effectively locks out the very people who need these opportunities the most, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement.

The Need for Systemic Change

The current system in Kenya and much of Africa is rigged against the youth, making it nearly impossible for them to succeed. Addressing these issues requires systemic change. First and foremost, there needs to be a reconsideration of how student loans are structured and repaid, with more flexible repayment options that take into account the realities of the job market.

Additionally, financial institutions must find ways to extend credit to young entrepreneurs, even those with poor credit ratings, perhaps through government-backed loans or alternative financing models. Finally, the fight against corruption must be intensified to ensure that government jobs are accessible to all based on merit rather than financial capability.

Conclusion

Africa’s youth are its greatest asset, yet they are being systematically undermined by a system that traps them in a cycle of debt, unemployment, and exclusion. If the continent is to realize its full potential, there must be a concerted effort to level the playing field and provide young people with the opportunities they deserve. Only by dismantling the barriers that hold them back can we unlock the true potential of Africa's future leaders.