Urban youth in Nairobi slums face significant barriers to formal education and employment opportunities. An ethnographic study was conducted through participant observation, focus group discussions, and individual interviews with young participants and programme administrators over a year-long period in . Findings indicate that participation in employment programmes led to an increase of 30% in secondary school enrollment among youth who were previously not enrolled. Urban youth employment programmes have the potential to improve educational outcomes by addressing immediate economic needs and providing role models for success. Programmes should be expanded with additional support services such as career counseling and financial literacy training to enhance their effectiveness.