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

Carol Bisieri Onsomu (), John Njenga Macharia and Stephie Muthoni Mwangi
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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

Economies, 2025, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-17

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.

Keywords: cognitive skills; non-cognitive/soft skills; labor market outcomes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E F I J O Q (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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