This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On a recent radio show, Andrew Kibe and Kamene tackled the pressing issue of unemployment among university graduates. The conversation highlighted the dire job prospects for young people, with many feeling hopeless about their future after completing their degrees.
One student who called in shared a stark reality, stating that out of a class of 30, only three would be employed, leaving 27 to fend for themselves. Only seven would have the courage to start their own businesses.
Another student, an actuarial science major, expressed his frustration and disappointment, saying he wished he had chosen a different course. He wondered where he would go after graduating, feeling that his degree would not be enough to secure a job.
Andrew Kibe strongly emphasized that there is no space for all these graduates, stating that it was easier in the past when students who couldn't get into university could opt for a polytechnic and do an apprenticeship. He lamented the fact that many young people are sitting at home with a piece of paper and no hope for a job.
Kibe also listed the few courses that have limited job opportunities, including art, hospitality, criminal justice, political science, and mass media. He warned that another 50,000 graduates would soon be entering the job market with no space to accommodate them.
Education, Kibe said, is the worst thing that has happened to their country. He urged listeners to be honest about life, the educational system, and employment, acknowledging that life on campus and in the real world is very different.
A fourth-year student from Strathmore University shared a personal story of struggling with mental illness and returning to school to find a harsh reality. She emphasized the need to be honest about the flaws in the system and not let it defeat individuals.
As the conversation came to a close, Kibe's words of caution and warning resonated with listeners, highlighting the need for a fundamental change in the educational system to address the unemployment crisis.
