Conrad and Hilton Foundation advisor Atrash Ali and Mizizi Elimu Africa research director Maurice Mutisya in Mombasa on Tuesday / BRIAN OTIENOMany employers are struggling to retain Gen Z workers because they are more selective about jobs and often resist strict workplace supervision, a youth employment forum in Mombasa heard on Tuesday.
Participants said the trend has seen many young people leave jobs soon after securing them, contributing to high youth unemployment alongside a growing mismatch between the skills employers need and those possessed by job seekers.
The forum brought together Mizizi Elimu Africa, the Mombasa county government and young people to discuss barriers to youth employment. They also launched a report titled Shaping Youth Futures.
Mizizi Elimu Africa research director Maurice Mutisya said many young people pursue courses based on availability rather than personal interest or labour market demand, creating a disconnect between training and employment.
"Our study found that 60 per cent of employers look for specific skills but cannot find them. It is not that young people lack skills, but they often do not have the exact competencies employers require," he said.
Mutisya said closer collaboration between training institutions and industry would help bridge the gap by aligning courses with workplace needs.
"You may train someone in baking, but an employer may need a person who can also operate modern baking equipment," he said.
He said the Competency-Based Education system could help address the mismatch by equipping learners with practical skills demanded by employers.
The report also found that many young people are unaware of available job opportunities, while employers increasingly demand experience that fresh graduates do not possess.
Mutisya urged colleges, employers and students to work more closely to ensure graduates acquire relevant skills and practical experience before entering the job market.
Mombasa executive for the Blue Economy Ibrahim Khamis said training institutions must adapt to changing industry needs.
He cited the fishing sector, where outdated methods continue to be taught despite advances in the industry, and called for expanded seafarer training to enable local youth to benefit from employment opportunities linked to the Port of Mombasa.
Khamis also expressed concern over low education transition rates in the county, saying many learners who do not qualify for university should be guided into technical and vocational training that matches their interests and abilities.
Conrad and Hilton Foundation adviser Atrash Ali said many youth programmes fail because they are designed without adequately consulting young people. He also criticised policies such as the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), arguing that inexperienced youth often struggle to compete against established contractors.
Ali further urged government agencies to rely on better data when planning training programmes to ensure they meet local labour market needs.
