Everyone should take 38 minutes out of their day to watch the documentary “Kaazi” – a word derived from the Swahili word “Kazi” (Work). This documentary sets out to dissect Kenya’s unemployment problem from the perspective of the youth. “The reality is that an education does not guarantee you anything in this country,” says Michael Muriti one of the directors who interviews various individuals on work. Directors Andrew Onyango and Michael Muriti were best friends who studied Mass Communications at Africa Nazarene University.

Whilst Andrew eventually managed to enter the working world, Michael had a tougher time. They decided to create this documentary as Michael’s experience resonates with thousands of other Kenyans. Their hope is that it will push for change concerning this issue after watching the film, especially in light of the upcoming elections. “Kaazi” looks at the lives of seven educated youths, including a physically disadvantaged woman, who narrates their experiences. Although women and young people are thought to be the most affected by unemployment, Michael points out that, “A woman can get married to a financially stable man who can take care of her and her children.”

Youth aged between 18 and 35 years make up 60% of Kenya’s population, as reported in the documentary, and yet unemployment stands at 40%. According to the 2012 World Bank report titled “Kenya at Work: Energizing the Economy and Creating Jobs” (2012), most job seekers felt that it was a waste of time and resources to apply and attend job interviews if one did not know someone to push her or him through. “I feel academically empowered but financially marginalized,” says Patrick Mwangi, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate and participant in the film.

He expresses difficulty in seeing his peers move on while he struggles to get a foot in the door. The film also shows youth who are pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities to help themselves such as Elijohn Njema who supplies gas for a living and has employed three others to help him. Whilst the film does a good job in highlighting the challenges of youth unemployment, the voices of those directly involved or able to assist—such as employers, psychologists and parents—are missing and would have given the film more scope. Visit Vimeo.com/AndrewOnyango to watch “Kaazi”