This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
Kirinyaga Graduate Finds Success as Security Guard ¶
July 19, 2020
Rose Njeri, a 29-year-old graduate of South Eastern Kenya University, has found success as a security guard in Kirinyaga county, despite struggling to find a white-collar job after graduation.
Njeri graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in March 2017, but after two years of searching for a job, she decided to take on any opportunity that came her way.
She landed a security job in early 2019 and has been working as a night shift guard ever since. Initially, it was not an easy task, but she has come to realize the importance of her job, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since the coronavirus pandemic started, I have learnt that everything has a reason and purpose. I say this because many graduates working in bigger companies have been laid off with nowhere to call office or work place but as for me working as a guard am still reporting to work as usual," she said.
Njeri's advice to other unemployed youths is to not be selective when looking for jobs and to find something to do, even if it's not their dream job.
"What I can advise fellow graduates is not to be idle. Let them find something to do and they should not be choosy. If you get any kind of a job just do it and maybe you might land your dream job through from where you are," she said.
Despite the low salaries and stigma associated with being a security guard, Njeri is proud of her work and encourages others to do the same.
"So my fellow youths and graduates out there don't be ashamed of what you do as long as it is legal, be proud, have fun doing it and remember there is no story without a start," she said.
