Kenya Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Kenya's youth unemployment stood at 15.25% in 2025, a decline of +0.23pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.53% by 2026. Kenya ranked 108th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 17.73% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 17.13% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 16.53% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.25% | −0.23pp | #108 |
| 2024 | 15.48% | +0.31pp | #110 |
| 2023 | 15.16% | −0.32pp | #107 |
| 2022 | 15.49% | +3.26pp | #108 |
| 2021 | 12.23% | −1.39pp | #76 |
| 2020 | 13.62% | +1.07pp | #81 |
| 2019 | 12.55% | +1.73pp | #95 |
| 2018 | 10.82% | +1.72pp | #81 |
| 2017 | 9.10% | +1.76pp | #58 |
| 2016 | 7.33% | +0.03pp | #39 |
| 2015 | 7.30% | +0.05pp | #39 |
| 2014 | 7.25% | +0.07pp | #40 |
| 2013 | 7.18% | +0.24pp | #40 |
| 2012 | 6.95% | +0.02pp | #36 |
| 2011 | 6.92% | −0.13pp | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's youth unemployment was 15.25% in 2025. Ranked 108th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's youth unemployment peaked at 15.49% in 2022.
The lowest youth unemployment in Kenya was 6.21% in 1991.
Kenya ranks 108th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's youth unemployment is projected to reach 16.53% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Kenya in 2025 was 15.25%. This ranks 108th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_youth-unemployment,
title = {Kenya Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}