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Soft-skills Training, Locus of Control, and Labor Market Outcomes of Youth: Evidence from Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Kibrom A. Abay

    (IFPRI)

  • Maria Laura Alzua

    (CEDLAS-IIE-FCE-UNLP & CONICET & Partnership for Economic Policy)

  • Laura Nelima Barasa

    (University of Nairobi)

  • Phyllis Mumia Machio

    (University of Nairobi)

  • Martin Paul Jr. Tabe-Ojong

    (World Bank)

Abstract

We evaluate the impact of a gender-sensitive soft-skills training that aimed to address youths’ labor market constraints in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Kenya using a clustered randomized controlled trial. We also explore whether the presence (or absence) of complementary noncognitive skills, such as locus-of-control, moderates the impact of soft-skills training. Our evaluation combines baseline, midline, and endline data to understand the dynamics of labor market transitions for the youth. Although we find suggestive evidence that the soft-skills training marginally contributed to preparing the youth for the labor market by improving their willingness, expectations, and preparedness for jobs, the impact of the soft-skills training on ultimate labor market outcomes appears negligible. However, the effect of soft-skills training varies across individuals with varying personality traits. Soft-skills training improved labor market outcomes for those with internal locus of control, implying important heterogeneity across individuals with varying non-cognitive skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Kibrom A. Abay & Maria Laura Alzua & Laura Nelima Barasa & Phyllis Mumia Machio & Martin Paul Jr. Tabe-Ojong, 2026. "Soft-skills Training, Locus of Control, and Labor Market Outcomes of Youth: Evidence from Kenya," CEDLAS, Working Papers 0375, CEDLAS, Universidad Nacional de La Plata.
    • Handle: RePEc:dls:wpaper:0375
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • N37 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Africa; Oceania

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