Young Kenyans are the most pessimistic in Africa regarding their country's economic prospects and job opportunities, according to the 2026 African Youth Survey. This sentiment reflects significant anxiety over livelihoods amid persistent unemployment and slow job creation.

• 79% of young Kenyans surveyed believe the country's economy is heading in the wrong direction, placing Kenya last among 16 surveyed African nations in economic confidence.
• The survey was conducted by US-based research consultancy PSB Insights and the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.
• Job creation struggles are exacerbated by a high youth unemployment rate and a significant mismatch between graduates' skills and available jobs, with nearly 90% of jobs created last year being in the informal sector.