𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!

An image of kenyans lined up in search for employment. (Photo credit to The Standard/Facebook)

BY CARINGTON MWINAMO

In Kenya, the battle between education and employment has reached a critical point, with a job crisis among graduates plaguing the nation. The once promising future for thousands of Kenyan graduates has turned into a nightmare as unemployment rates soar, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. Despite the country’s economic growth and development, a significant portion of university and college graduates find themselves without jobs, facing a bleak reality of underemployment or seeking opportunities abroad.

Recent statistics paint a grim picture, revealing that approximately 35 per cent of young Kenyans are unemployed. Each year, a new wave of graduates enters the job market only to be met with a lack of opportunities in a stagnant economy. Many are forced to take up jobs that do not align with their qualifications or remain idle despite years of investing in their education. This mismatch between academic programs and the demands of the job market has only exacerbated the crisis, leaving many graduates ill-equipped for the available opportunities.

In response to this pressing issue, the Kenyan government has rolled out various initiatives to tackle graduate unemployment head-on. One notable strategy involves labour migration, where agreements are being negotiated with countries facing workforce shortages to employ Kenyan graduates. President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to send 3,000 Kenyan bus drivers to Germany is a testament to the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities abroad while alleviating pressure on the local job market. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Labor and Social Protection, has been at the forefront of securing bilateral agreements with countries like Germany and Canada to provide employment opportunities for Kenyan professionals overseas.

While international employment programs offer some relief, the government is also focusing on implementing domestic measures to address graduate unemployment. Initiatives such as the National Youth Service (NYS), the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and the Ajira Digital Program aim to equip young Kenyans with essential skills and financial support to start businesses or explore online job opportunities. The success of the Ajira Digital Program, which has enabled over 1.3 million Kenyans to secure online jobs, underscores the power of digital platforms in bridging the employment gap.

Beyond government interventions, young Kenyans are taking matters into their own hands by embracing alternative income-generating avenues. Entrepreneurship has become a popular choice, with many graduates venturing into agribusiness, e-commerce, and creative industries. Some have even explored unconventional career paths such as martial arts, with kung fu gaining popularity as a source of income through coaching, competitions, and performances. The Kenyan Kung Fu Wushu Federation has been instrumental in supporting these young athletes, highlighting the potential of skill diversification as a viable alternative to traditional employment.

EDITOR’S PICK!

In conclusion, the job crisis among Kenyan graduates is a complex challenge that demands comprehensive long-term solutions. While exporting labour may provide temporary relief, Kenya must prioritize strengthening domestic job creation mechanisms. With the right policies, investments, and collaborations, Kenya can harness the potential of its youthful population, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous economic future. The time to act is now to ensure that the promise of education translates into meaningful employment opportunities for the next generation of Kenyan graduates.

Tandao Media Group Journalist

Eugine Wabwile