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Mosiria warns of rising youth frustration over unemployment in Kenya
17th May, 2026 10:45 AM
Nairobi’s Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has raised concern over the growing level of youth frustration in the country.
In a statement shared on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Mosiria warned that failure to address unemployment and economic exclusion could have serious social consequences.
He noted that young people often view leadership as a symbol of hope and opportunity, but this perception is quickly eroded when their needs are not met.
“When young people see leaders, they see hope and opportunities for a better future. If we fail to create opportunities for them, frustration will continue to build and eventually become uncontrollable. The sooner we address their challenges, the better for our nation,” Mosiria wrote.
Mosiria further cautioned that if the issue of unemployment is not urgently addressed, the situation could escalate beyond control, describing the current state of youth disillusionment as a time bomb waiting to explode.
“The reality is that our young people are like a time bomb awaiting explosion. If we do not act now to address unemployment and economic exclusion, then we should expect the unexpected — a situation that may be beyond our control,” he cautioned.
Mosiria to government
He further urged the government to fast-track the implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030, saying its goals must be translated into real economic opportunities for ordinary citizens, especially the youth.
Mosiria also highlighted the risks of prolonged unemployment, noting that it can push young people into desperation and vulnerability, especially when survival becomes difficult.
“The implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030 is long overdue. It is time for the executive to fast-track its implementation and ensure that its promises translate into real opportunities for ordinary citizens, especially the youth,” he added.
“We must remember that prolonged unemployment leaves many young people vulnerable to desperation and negative influences. When survival becomes difficult and society appears hostile, some may be driven toward crime and unrest as a means of survival. This is a risk no nation can afford to ignore.”
Call on legislators
He called on legislators to introduce policies that open up the Kenyan market and attract investors to establish industries across all 47 counties, saying this would create sustainable jobs and restore dignity among young people.
Additionally, Mosiria cautioned that if leaders fail to act in time, the youth may eventually shift from seeking handouts to demanding accountability and real solutions.
“My appeal to legislators is to come up with policies that will open up the Kenyan market and make it easier for investors to establish industries across all the 47 counties. This will create sustainable jobs, restore dignity, and empower our young people economically,” he appealed.
“If we fail to address their needs today, a time will come when they will no longer seek small handouts from leaders. Instead, they will demand accountability and real solutions. The rest will be history. The future of Kenya depends on how well we invest in our youth today. The time to act is now.”
