Varsity students support SDGs but awareness remains low
The average awareness on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is alarmingly low among local university students compared to their counterparts in countries sampled across the globe.
This is based on a survey conducted by Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) research company in partnership with MK-Africa, which shows awareness on SDGs amongst University students in Kenya stands at 45 percent compared to the global average of 54 percent.
The survey on SDGs was done in 170 universities in 31 countries across the globe, and in Kenya 622 university students were sampled in 42 universities.
Support for the goals in Kenyan universities however remains high regardless, with SDG3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG4 Quality Education, SDG5 Gender Equality and SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation recording the highest awareness locally at 60 per cent.
“The survey shows there is overwhelming support for the SDGs and this translates to high interest in assisting Kenya to achieve them. The challenge is to provide information to the youth and equip them,” said Tifa Director Maggie Ireri as she unveiled the survey.
The initiative by MK-Africa is seeking to promote the role of young people in realizing the SDGs by tackling social and business challenges through innovation.
“16 per cent of Kenyan youth are most concerned about unemployment, 15 per cent corruption, 12 per cent poverty, 10 per cent environmental pollution and 9 per cent tribalism. Majority are optimistic SDGs can be used to solve the social and economic problems,” she added.
Kenya is one of 193 countries that signed up to the 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that came into force on January 1, 2016 after adoption by world leaders in September 2015 at a historic UN Summit to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).