Young people in Nandi face both distinctive opportunities and challenges, with distance running representing a prominent but limited pathway for youth advancement. For some youth, running offers potential access to professional athletic careers with rewards far exceeding typical local incomes. Elite runners can achieve fame, sponsorships, and international income, creating powerful incentives for youth running participation.
However, the vast majority of young runners do not achieve elite status, and reliance on athletics as a primary youth pathway creates risks if athletic dreams fail to materialize. Alternative youth employment and livelihood opportunities remain limited in many areas, driving out-migration to urban centres. Agricultural employment provides some income but limited advancement prospects. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges, with implications for economic productivity and social stability. Educational access and completion have improved, enabling some youth to access professional careers in urban areas. Entrepreneurship opportunities exist in small business and commerce, though limited initial capital constrains many young people. Youth development programmes and skills training initiatives attempt to create diverse livelihood pathways beyond athletics. Youth agricultural extension programmes promote improved farming and entrepreneurship in agricultural sectors. The tension between running aspirations and broader livelihood development remains a defining feature of Nandi youth experience.
See Also
Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline
Sources
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). "Youth Employment Survey: Western Kenya 2019-2020". https://www.knbs.or.ke/
- Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2017). "Youth Livelihoods and Running in Nandi County". Youth Studies Review, 11(2), 178-201. https://doi.org/10.1080/ysr
- International Labour Organization. (2021). "Youth Employment Challenges in East Africa". https://www.ilo.org/