Kenya has faced a mounting challenge: more than 4.5 million youths continue to grapple with joblessness. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for students to make informed decisions about their university courses to effectively compete in the shrinking job market. As the country aims to build a resilient workforce, experts are urging students to carefully choose courses that will equip them with the skills required to secure employment opportunities.
Veronica Nduta, an expert in hospitality, tourism, and international relations, emphasized the importance of selecting courses wisely during a recent Zetech University Open Day in Ruiru, Kiambu County. She challenged students to consider how their chosen courses will help them meet the demands of the job market. “It’s crucial that students ensure their courses of study align with the realities of today’s job market. Many young people are choosing courses without a clear understanding of their career paths, simply because of external pressures whether from friends, family, or societal expectations,” Nduta warned.
Nduta’s caution reflects a widespread concern: many students select courses out of pressure or lack of proper guidance, only to find themselves struggling to complete their studies or not finding jobs after graduation. “Many choose courses because of what their friends are choosing and or what their parents want. We have open forums such as this to enlighten the students to make informed choices that will see them thrive,” she noted. Her call for more engagement between students and the institutions they study in is crucial, given the disconnect between the education provided and the demands of the job market. “It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about what you will do with the skills earned throughout your academic journey,” she emphasized.
The issue of outdated program structures in many educational institutions in Kenya also came under scrutiny. Nduta noted with concern that many graduates are leaving universities ill-prepared for the realities of the job market. “Many educational institutions in Kenya continue to churn out graduates with degrees that do not align with the skills needed in today’s economy,” she observed. This misalignment between education and employment needs has been a persistent problem, leaving many students frustrated and disillusioned by their post-graduation job prospects.
Dr. Henry Kiogora, the head of the Department of Business and Economics at a private university, echoed Nduta’s sentiments, urging students to identify their talents early in their educational journey. “It is not a matter of pursuing a course to be employed but what you will do with the skills earned throughout the season of learning. We are encouraging our students to have key skills that align with the market to ensure that should they fail to be employed, they will be in a better position to start an income generation activity that will better their living,” noted Kiogora. His message to students was clear: the ability to leverage the skills gained from their courses is vital for self-employment and entrepreneurial success in today’s economy.
As Kenya continues to face a youth bulge, with 75% of the population aged below 35, addressing youth unemployment is more critical than ever. “Stakeholders must take a proactive approach to ensuring that the youth are prepared to contribute meaningfully to sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development,” Kiogora urged. The government’s efforts to review and reform the education system through Vision 2030 aim to address this disconnect by ensuring the curriculum and training offered to students are relevant to current job market demands.
In conclusion, the call for students to choose their courses wisely is not just about academic success but about equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market. As Kenya seeks to address its youth unemployment crisis, it is essential for students, parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to ensure that educational offerings are aligned with the economic realities of today. By making informed choices, students can better position themselves to not only find employment but also to contribute to a thriving and resilient workforce in the future.
