Employment Indicators to Decent Jobs in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Relevant to Post-Secondary School Youths in Garissa Municipality, Kenya

Youth employability remains a persistent challenge globally, particularly among post-secondary school graduates in marginalized regions. This study investigated options available for decent jobs under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, employment indicators, and intervention measures relevant to post-secondary school youths in Garissa Municipality, Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives: (i) to identify available options for decent jobs, (ii) to establish key employment indicators of decent jobs, and (iii) to develop intervention measures to enhance youth employability in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8. A descriptive survey research design employing a mixed-methods approach was used. The target population comprised county youth officers, youth group leaders, and post-secondary school youths aged 16–35 years. A sample of 4 county youth officers, 36 youth group leaders, and 360 youths was selected using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews and structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that the main career and employment options available to youths’ included education, medicine and health sciences, law, engineering, business management, agriculture and veterinary sciences, social sciences, and applied sciences and technology. Key indicators of decent employment identified included adequate and productive employment opportunities, fair remuneration, job security, safe working conditions, equal opportunity, and work–life balance. The study further established that youth employability was largely influenced by access to career guidance, skills alignment, labour market information, internships, and vocational training opportunities. Major intervention measures recommended included strengthened career counselling, expansion of vocational and bridging programmes, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and improved dissemination of labour market information. The study concludes that structured career guidance and timely access to labour market information are critical in enhancing youth transition into decent employment in Garissa Municipality.

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