Salasya proposes Kenya follow America’s example where teens work and study simultaneously
By Paulette Mboga, November 30, 2025Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Salasya, has proposed that Kenya adopt the work-study culture he observed among young Kenyans living in the United States.
While interacting with them, in an Instagram post on Sunday, November 30, 2025, he noted that at 16 years old, many can work and study at the same time. He compared this with the Kenyan system, where students graduate around 25 years old and then spend additional years in the job market before fully starting their careers.
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Salasya said the country needs to introduce this culture to help young people become independent and productive earlier in life.
He said, “Sahizi ni 7pm in the USA here. Nice interacting with young Kenyans staying in America; at 16 years old, they are able to work and study at the same time. In Kenya, we need to graduate at 25 years and then start to tarmac for another 3 years. We must introduce this culture in Kenya. And I will do it.”
Salasya shares his observations
Salasya has spent some time in the United States and often compares life there with life in Kenya. He highlighted differences in housing and construction, noting that many American homes are made of wood but are well-decorated and organised.
He said the simplicity and order in these structures could be a model for Kenya.
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Salasya explained that most houses in the US that he observed use wood for around 80 per cent of the construction, but the result is clean and functional homes without unnecessary complications.
He said, “It’s good morning here. Here in the USA, nyumba 80% ni woods but well decorated, meaning hakuna kusumbuana na cement ooooh ooooh chuma oooh. Simple structures but well organised. I think we should embrace this in Kenya one day; hizi zote ni mbao.”
Salasya is encouraging a culture where young people work and study at the same time. He hopes to reduce the long delays in entering the workforce that he observed in Kenya.