Kenya Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Kenya's youth unemployment was 15.25% in 2025, ranked 108th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Kenya’s youth unemployment rate has risen sharply over the 35‑year series, climbing from a trough of 6.21 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 15.49 % in 2022 and settling at 15.25 % in 2025, which places the country 108th in the global ranking. The sustained upward trajectory reflects structural constraints in the labour market, including a mismatch between skills acquired in education and the demands of emerging sectors, as well as limited formal job creation for the rapidly expanding cohort of entrants aged 15‑24. Compared with peers of similar rank, Kenya’s rate is marginally lower than Fiji’s 15.21 % and Zimbabwe’s 15.55 % in the same year, suggesting that regional dynamics and policy environments shape outcomes across comparable economies. If Kenya can expand vocational training, improve access to finance for youth‑led enterprises, and foster sectors with high labour absorption potential, the current upward trend could be moderated and eventually reversed.
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}
}