ISBN: 978-93-94174-93-1

Exploring Green Growth as a Strategy to Address Youth Unemployment in Kenya: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya

Unemployment is a critical socio-economic issue globally, and in Kenya that disproportionately affects youth and women. In recent years, sustainable green development has emerged as a promising strategy for inclusive economic growth and employment creation. The notion is a key tool for achieving sustainable development in both developing and developed nations. This chapter explores the potential of Kenya’s green growth sector particularly renewable energy, information and communication technology (ICT), regenerative agriculture, and green financing as avenues for reducing unemployment and promoting equitable livelihoods. Through an extensive review of secondary literature, from journal articles, statistical abstract and development plans in Kenya as well as existing global data bases by world bank and United States department of agriculture (USDA) to retrieve arguments, and empirical evidence on the intersections between green development and job creation. It identifies key sectors with untapped employment potential and highlights how green transitions can engage marginalized groups such as women and youth more effectively. While the findings suggest that while green sectors hold significant promise for employment generation, several structural challenges hinder this potential. These include low public awareness, poor coordination among implementing sectors, inadequate data, lack of measurable indicators, and limited financial incentives for investors. These barriers must be addressed to fully unlock the employment benefits of green development. The study concludes by recommending targeted policy interventions, including capacity-building through education and training, increased public awareness campaigns, and the creation of enabling regulatory frameworks. Enhanced public participation and strategic investments in green sectors are also essential to reducing unemployment and fostering a sustainable, inclusive economy in Kenya.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: dotieno@mut.ac.ke

Cite this Chapter: Dennis Otieno. 2025. Exploring Green Growth as a Strategy to Address Youth Unemployment in Kenya: A Sustainable Development Perspective. In: Dr. Lubna Suraiya Dr. P. Kanchana (Eds.). Commerce Reimagined: The Future of Trade and Transactions. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 41-60. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-93-1_2_3