Agriculture dominates the Kenyan economy, accounting for 40% of the overall workforce (70% of the rural workforce) and about 25% of the annual workforce. The country’s major agricultural exports are tea, coffee, cut flowers, and vegetables. The Kenyan economy is not creating sufficient jobs to cater for the increasing number of young labour market entrants. In 2011, a total of 520,000 new jobs were created in Kenya, out of which 74,000 (14.3%) were formal sector jobs. Considering the number of new labour market entrants, about 300,000 young people are left out every year. The youth unemployment challenge therefore requires bold and coordinated efforts to stimulate economic transformation and business sector development.

We there address challenges that hinder youth from participating effectively in the agricultural sector. The Agri-Prenuership initiative is aimed at providing new opportunities for youth in agriculture and its value chains. The impact of youth engagement in agriculture will be evident in sustainable economic growth and in the reduction of poverty and malnutrition.