This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 21, 2019, Education Secretary George Magoha sparked a heated debate with his remarks on the value of university degrees.
Magoha's comments came as the government seeks to increase enrollment in technical colleges, but his views have been met with skepticism by many.
According to Magoha, people are chasing degrees for prestige rather than for the skills and knowledge they provide. However, this perspective has been disputed by many, including the writer, who argue that Magoha's views are elitist and lack depth.
One of the main reasons why many young people opt for university degrees is because they believe it will lead to better job prospects and a higher income. This is often influenced by what they see happening in their environment, including job advertisements and career advice from teachers and parents.
However, the writer argues that this is not the only reason why young people are shunning technical and trade training. They point out that many people with trade training struggle to make ends meet, and that companies often prioritize degree holders over those with trade experience.
The writer also highlights the issue of supply and demand, pointing out that the market has become saturated with degree holders, making it harder for them to find employment. On the other hand, trade careers have been neglected, leading to a shortage of skilled workers and premium fees for their services.
Ultimately, the writer argues that the government's drive to increase enrollment in technical and vocational colleges needs to be informed by a deeper analysis of data and economic theory, rather than anecdotal information.
The writer is a Communications and Publishing consultant in Nairobi.
