Young jobseekers queue for interviews at a Nairobi career fair amid shrinking entry-level roles. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
NAIROBI- A new international study has revealed that Generation Z professionals are grappling with the toughest employment landscape in decades, marked by fewer entry-level opportunities, rapid technological shifts, and mounting competition.
The report, compiled by recruitment firm Randstad and based on a survey of 11,250 workers plus analysis of 126 million job postings worldwide, found that global entry-level vacancies have dropped by 29 percentage points since January 2024.
“Almost half of Gen Z respondents told us their current roles do not match their dream careers,” the study noted, warning that misalignment may fuel instability in the workforce.
Education and background block career paths
The research found that 40 per cent of Gen Z workers cite education—or lack thereof—as a barrier to achieving their ideal career. This figure is higher than among millennials (39 per cent), Generation X (34 per cent), and baby boomers (27 per cent).
Another 40 per cent reported that personal background, family circumstances, or demographic factors prevented them from pursuing their chosen paths. By comparison, only 24 per cent of baby boomers expressed similar concerns.
“It’s a concerning signal that so many feel held back by barriers outside their control, from education to socioeconomic background or family responsibilities,” said Sander van ’t Noordende, CEO of Randstad. “These constraints risk stalling ambition at a critical stage in their careers.”
Shorter tenures and restless ambition
The study highlights a striking difference in job tenures. Gen Z employees stay an average of 1.1 years in their first five years at work, compared with 1.8 years for millennials, 2.8 for Generation X, and 2.9 for baby boomers. In kenya, this is what fuels most Gen Z’s protests. Check out this conversation on X;
“Gen Z workers are more mobile and less patient,” said Dr. Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS and an advocate for youth empowerment. “They are not willing to wait decades to see change; they want meaningful work and clear pathways now.”
Globally, more than half of Gen Z employees (54 per cent) are actively job hunting, while just 11 per cent plan to stay long term in their current positions.
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Kenya’s young workforce under pressure
The challenges mirror Kenya’s own employment crisis, where unemployment among youth remains stubbornly high at 17 per cent, according to government figures. Nearly half of Kenyan adults work full-time, but underemployment and informal work dominate the youth labor market.
“The situation in Nairobi’s Eastleigh is a microcosm of the struggle,” said economist James Shikwati. “Young graduates are taking jobs far below their qualifications, from gig work to casual retail, because entry-level corporate roles are vanishing.”
A 2024 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report found that 62 per cent of jobless Kenyans were under 35, underscoring the structural barriers faced by young people.
Technology and automation reshape opportunities
Randstad’s analysis links the drop in entry-level jobs to automation and digital transformation across industries. Banks, for example, are prioritizing AI-driven customer service over training new staff, while telecom companies are hiring fewer technicians despite rising revenues.
“This is a structural change in how work is organized,” said Guy Ryder, former ILO director-general. “As AI takes over routine tasks, we must ensure young workers are equipped with digital skills and adaptable mindsets.”
The International Labour Organization estimates that by 2030, as many as 30 per cent of jobs in Africa could be at risk due to automation if reskilling measures are not prioritized.
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Employers urged to act
Despite the bleak outlook, Gen Z remains ambitious and future-focused. Two in five respondents said they always consider long-term career goals before changing jobs. However, lack of career progression is the second most common reason they seek new roles, after pay.
“With a future focus and willingness to look for opportunities, employers need to redefine career paths and provide clearer growth structures,” Randstad advised.
Global leaders have echoed the call. “We cannot afford a lost generation,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during a recent youth employment summit. “Investing in skills, decent work, and equality of opportunity must be central to recovery plans worldwide.”
What the future holds
Experts warn that if barriers persist, the instability among Gen Z could ripple across entire economies. Constant turnover raises recruitment costs, disrupts productivity, and risks draining young talent into informal or precarious work.
Still, optimism remains. Gen Z has demonstrated adaptability, creativity, and resilience. In Kenya, young entrepreneurs are leading the charge in tech startups, renewable energy, and digital services, often building careers outside traditional employment routes.
“The ambition of Gen Z is not in doubt,” said Shikwati. “The challenge is creating structures that channel that ambition into sustainable growth—for individuals, companies, and the nation.”
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