Barriers and Detractors Influencing Transition from High School into Post-Secondary Education in Kenya: Actualizing Sustainable Development Goals on Decent Work
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol5iss4pp37-48Keywords:
Educational transition, post-secondary access, Youth employability, SDG 8Abstract
The transition from high school to post-secondary education is a critical juncture that significantly affects youth employability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. This desktop review explores the key barriers and detractors that hinder smooth progression into tertiary education, examining how these challenges undermine progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Drawing on a wide array of literature, including government reports, international development assessments, and academic publications, the review identifies socio-economic disparities, institutional weaknesses, gender-based inequalities, and policy gaps as central impediments. It further reveals how inadequate career guidance, financial constraints, and regional disparities compound educational inequity. The review concludes that overcoming these challenges requires targeted investments in educational infrastructure, policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and community sensitization. Addressing these transition barriers is vital not only for individual development but also for national efforts to cultivate a skilled, adaptable, and inclusive workforce. The paper contributes to policy dialogue on educational access and provides actionable insights for stakeholders committed to actualizing SDG 8 in the Kenyan context.
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