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From Classroom to Workplace: The Combined Effects of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills on Youth Labor Market Outcomes in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Carol Bisieri Onsomu

    (Department of Economics and Development Studies, University of Nairobi (UoN), P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100 GPO, Kenya)

  • John Njenga Macharia

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, University of Nairobi (UoN), P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100 GPO, Kenya)

  • Stephie Muthoni Mwangi

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton-Njoro 20115, Kenya)

Abstract

The evolving labor environment underscores the critical role of cognitive and non-cognitive (soft) skills in fostering workforce adaptability and enhancing labor market outcomes. This study investigates the combined influence of these skills on the probability of employment, focusing on the Kenyan labor market, where high youth unemployment and job market mismatches persist despite government interventions and education sector reforms. Traditionally, emphasis has been placed on cognitive skills, with limited integration of non-cognitive skills into educational curricula, exacerbating the disconnect between youth competencies and market demands. Using binary logistic regression, this study evaluates factors influencing youth employment, highlighting the complementarity of cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Findings reveal that individuals possessing a blend of these skills have higher employment prospects, with notable improvements for young women possessing agreeableness and digital literacy. Additionally, factors such as marital status and higher education levels positively influence employability. These results underscore the equal importance of personality traits and cognitive abilities in labor market success. Policymakers are urged to prioritize curriculum reforms that integrate non-cognitive skill development and encourage employers to include assessments of these skills in hiring practices to address persistent labor market mismatches.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Bisieri Onsomu & John Njenga Macharia & Stephie Muthoni Mwangi, 2025. "From Classroom to Workplace: The Combined Effects of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills on Youth Labor Market Outcomes in Kenya," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:4:p:92-:d:1622369
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alderotti, Giammarco & Rapallini, Chiara & Traverso, Silvio, 2023. "The Big Five personality traits and earnings: A meta-analysis," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    2. Lex Borghans & Angela Lee Duckworth & James J. Heckman & Bas ter Weel, 2008. "The Economics and Psychology of Personality Traits," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 43(4).
    3. David J. Deming & Mikko I. Silliman, 2024. "Skills and Human Capital in the Labor Market," NBER Working Papers 32908, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Akram Sh. Alawad & Fuad Kreishan & Mohammad Selim, 2020. "Determinants of Youth Unemployment: Evidence from Jordan," International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), vol. 0(4), pages 152-165.
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