Kenyan youths, grappling with limited opportunities and mounting financial pressures, are carving a new path to survival through side hustles and entrepreneurial ventures.

A recent survey by GeoPoll reveals a vibrant yet challenged generation, where resilience and resourcefulness are becoming the norm in the face of high unemployment rates and low wages.

“The survey revealed a strong entrepreneurial spirit among Kenyan youth, with an overwhelming 87 per cent expressing interest in starting their own businesses,” GeoPoll observed in its report, which spanned all 47 counties.

The findings highlight the tough economic realities facing Kenya's youth, who form 35 per cent of the population but account for a staggering 67 per cent of the unemployed, according to the National Council for Population and Development.

Among the employed, most earn less than Sh30,000 a month, with only six per cent making over Sh150,000.

Faced with these figures, many young Kenyans have turned to side hustles, with 71 per cent of respondents indicating they engage in small-scale ventures to supplement their income.

These initiatives range from informal retail businesses to agricultural projects and technology-driven services, demonstrating a blend of traditional and modern approaches to livelihood.

While entrepreneurship offers a glimmer of hope, the journey is fraught with obstacles.

“Financial support (grants and loans at 82 per cent) is the most sought-after form of assistance for aspiring young entrepreneurs, with 82 per cent of respondents identifying it as crucial to starting their businesses,” the report noted.

Lack of access to capital remains the single greatest challenge, cited by 72 per cent of respondents.

The survey also revealed systemic barriers to formal employment, with nepotism and cronyism frustrating 42 per cent of job seekers, while 39 per cent lamented insufficient networking opportunities.

A further 34 per cent pointed to a lack of institutional support as a hindrance to their aspirations.

Despite these challenges, the report paints a picture of ambition and adaptability. Among those surveyed, 56 per cent expressed a preference for full-time entrepreneurship, while 39 per cent leaned towards part-time business ventures.

Retail and trade emerged as the most preferred sectors, followed by agriculture and technology, highlighting both traditional and innovative approaches to self-reliance.

The survey, conducted via the GeoPoll mobile application between November 10 and 15, 2024, sampled 749 youths, primarily aged between 25 and 35.

A significant 70 per cent held college degrees, underscoring the paradox of an educated yet underemployed generation.

In addition to capital, mentorship and guidance are in high demand, with 51 per cent of respondents identifying them as crucial to entrepreneurial success.

Many called for skill training programmes and government policies to provide a nurturing environment for startups.

This entrepreneurial wave reflects the broader struggle for economic independence in a country where over a million youths enter the labour market annually, only to face limited opportunities.

As these young Kenyans navigate an unpredictable economic landscape, their determination to innovate and thrive offers a beacon of hope amid the challenges.

The report serves as a call to action for policymakers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to support this burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and help transform Kenya's economic future through the energy and creativity of its youth.