Why Many Kenyan Youths Wish to Leave the Country for Europe, America

A newly released survey shows that one in every four Kenyan youths would love to leave the country for Europe or America in search greener pastures.

Results of the survey released on Thursday indicate that the young citizens feel that whatever is happening in the country does not present them with an opportunity to pursue their dreams, grow and take charge of their destiny. 

High rates of unemployment, corruption and negative ethnicity are some of the factors that is giving them the urge to exit the country of birth. They also feel that the quality of education offered by local institutions doesn't prepare them effectively for gainful employment.

Dubbed Next Generation Kenya, the survey was carried out by the British Council, and gives insights into the aspirations and worries of young Kenyans. 

The study was conducted among the youth of between 15 and 24 years in 4,014 households and examined social, educational, political and economic issues that afflict the nation and how they affect the young generation.

Unemployment (67 per cent), financial difficulties (40 per cent), drugs or alcohol abuse (30 per cent) and lack of access to good education (22 per cent) are some of major challenges facing Kenyan youths, the survey says.

Others are; overall hardships of life (21 per cent), bad influence from peers (20 per cent), early pregnancies (19 per cent), child marriage (11 per cent) and corruption (10 per cent).

 “I have worked really hard to get good grades and I am a well-read, smart person. It’s so incredibly demoralising that some guy who is related to some politician and barely finished high school is probably going to steal my job," one of the respondents interviewed during the study said.

Nevertheless, 91 per cent of the youngsters love their country inspired by the nation’s rich heritage.