As Kenya continues to struggle with youth unemployment swell, many young people are increasingly turning to self-employment as a way to financial independence.
Statistics from the World Bank data show Kenya’s youth unemployment rate was at 15.5 percent in 2024, and 15.2 per cent in 2025 among those aged between 18 and 34 years. In addition, the report showed the youth unemployment rate is significantly higher, reaching up to 17 per cent to 19 per cent across various labour surveys.
Due to limited job opportunities and rising living costs, thousands of Kenyan youths are creating their own livelihood through entrepreneurship.
Among them is Christine Kinyua, a 26-year-old lady who is the proprietor of Kiki Barbershop and Spa in Nyeri town.
Her journey reflects the determination of a generation choosing self-employment over unemployment.
Located at Peak Business Centre right opposite the Governor’s offices, Kiki Barbershop and Spa business has become a popular place for grooming and beauty services.
The business offers services to clients seeking quality and affordable services, from haircuts and facials to manicures, pedicures and massage.
According to Kinyua, entrepreneurship was not a career choice but a necessity.
A cosmetology and hairdressing graduate of Dykaan College in Nanyuki, Kinyua entered the beauty industry in 2021. After graduating from college, she spent several years working at salons and beauty shops, including La Chiq Beauties where her skills improved massively.
“I have always loved beauty and grooming. Working in the industry has helped me understand customer needs besides affording me the confidence to start my own business,” she says.
After years of saving and financial planning, she says she accumulated almost Sh.500, 000, which she used in opening her new barbershop last year.
The capital went into buying equipment, furnishing the premises, paying rent, and stocking beauty products.
But just like many start up entrepreneurs, this journey was not easy.
“Capital is usually the biggest challenge for young people who want to start a business. You need money for rent, equipment, and supplies before you even begin serving customers,” she explains.
Operating in a field traditionally dominated by men also comes with its own challenges.
As a female barber, Kinyua initially faced doubts from some customers who did not believe in her ability to provide quality services.
“Some men prefer being attended to by male barbers, but with time I have earned their trust through professionalism and quality services,” she says.
Today, Kiki barbershop and Spa offer a range of services, including haircuts at Sh300, facial at Sh1300, pedicure at Sh800, manicure at Sh600, eyelash installation at Sh800 and
for those in need of massage services, the charges range between Sh2500 and Sh3500.
On a normal day, the business generates between Sh5,000 and Sh6,000, depending on customer turnout.
The income has helped her meet her personal needs, support her family, and reinvest in the growth of her business.
Unlike traditional barbershops that only focus on haircuts, Kinyua establishes diversification by combining offering her clients haircuts with spa, and beauty services.
This allows her to attract both male and female clients.
“The grooming industry is changing. Customers prefer places where they can access multiple services under one roof,” she notes.
She also challenges young women to venture into professions traditionally dominated by men and are capable of succeeding in any field.
Kinyua also urges the youth not to shy away from venturing into self-employment as it could be the golden key that will unlock their door into their financial stability.
“Many youths are talented and skilled, but jobs are limited. Self-employment gives you a chance to create opportunities for ourselves and even employ others in the future. Start small, work hard because every successful business begins with a single step,” she added.
“Girls should not be afraid to enter male dominated professions, if you have the skills and passion go for it. We should break barriers and create opportunities for ourselves and others.
Her ambition is to expand her business, increase her customer base, and eventually create employment opportunities for other young people trained in beauty and grooming services.
As Kenya seeks a solution to youth unemployment, stories such as Kinyua demonstrate the importance of entrepreneurship in sustaining livelihoods.
Through determination, savings, and professional skills, she has successfully turned her passion into a sustainable source of income.
For many young Kenyans working through unemployment, her journey offers a positive and powerful reminder that self-employment is not entirely an alternative to formal employment, but a practical way to financial freedom.
by Samuel Maina, Stephen Nderito and Sharon Nashipae
