Kakamega Graduate Trains Youth On Agribusiness Amid Scarce Jobs

• The Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) reported that more than one million young individuals join the labour market each year, lacking essential skills
• Despite the increasing youth unemployment, the number of young people in the agricultural sector has declined
• Vincent Isambo, the founder of Imarika Agribusiness Youth Group, has turned to training young men and women to enhance self-employment

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenya's comprehensive unemployment rate stands at 12.7%, with the youth demographic (15-34 years old) constituting 35% of the population, experiencing the highest unemployment rate at 67%.

The Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) reports that more than one million young individuals join the labour market each year, lacking essential skills.

This group includes those who have either discontinued their education or completed school without pursuing further college enrollment. The imminent doubling of the youthful population by 2045 presents a significant challenge to the struggling economy.

Why most Kenyan youths shun agriculture

Despite the increasing youth unemployment, the number of young people in the agricultural sector has declined.

Research published in the Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research showed that the agricultural sector offers excellent opportunities to employ young people and to ensure food security.

The sector is yet to maximise its potential as most youth find it unattractive.

"Young people have a negative perception of agriculture, they perceive working in the agricultural sector as a last resort, as an activity for the elderly, and they do not see farming as a profitable business, which makes the situation even worse," the research stated.

How Kakamega man is changing the narrative

Vincent Isambo, the founder of Imarika Agribusiness Youth Group, has turned to training young men and women in Khwisero sub county on the best agricultural practices to enhance self-employment.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Isambo explained that having ventured into horticulture a decade ago, he is experienced enough in agribusiness.

"I've been in agribusiness for the last 10 years. Dealing with mostly horticulture. The first time I created a youth group in 2019 I looked for youths across five neighbouring villages both men and women.

I was inspired by my success in the field of agribusiness so I felt it wise to pass the knowledge to others. Then there were available assets like land. I get involved in research and also engage the youths to know which field they may like to be trained onhe said," he said.

He helps those with small pieces of land with vegetable seeds, potato vines, and banana suckers, but his biggest challenge is meagre resources.

Isambo trains them on the correct spacing for different types of crops, how to control pests, how to make manure and liquid fertilizer, how to make and maintain farm records, how to manage weeds, how to apply manure and fertilizer, etc.

"I have a few youths whom I've trained how to plant and manage vegetables, and sweet potatoes and they are doing great.

When young people have knowledge about agribusiness, they will do the right thing as per how they were trained. They will create employment for themselves and others. It also ensures food security," he expounded

He appealed to the government and donors for help.

Why Isambo ventured into agriculture

Isambo graduated from Regions Group International College with a diploma in business management in 2014.

The youthful man, who was born in a family of nine, said his efforts to look for a job bore no fruits.

"After tarmacking in Nakuru and Nairobi without securing proper employment, I decided to return home. Since I had a passion for farming, I set up a tree nursery. That was between 2016 and 2017," he said.

At the nursery, Isambo nurtured different seedlings for sale at his family's compound. These included cypress, eucalyptus and Grevillea. He sold the seedlings to locals at nearby markets at KSh 10 each.

In August 2017, Isambo identified a gap in the vegetable market in his location. He approached his parents, who supported establishing a vegetable farm.

"I employed myself. With around KSh 10,000, I had collected from the tree seedling business, I did my small research about vegetable farming by visiting local farmers and fact-finding online," Isambo narrated.