Zetech University: As several universities prepare to hold graduation ceremonies in the coming weeks, many graduates express concerns over the high rate of joblessness in the country. This situation casts a shadow over their achievements and future prospects.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a recent graduation ceremony at Zetech University’s Mangu Campus, many graduates acknowledged the relief of completing their studies but also the daunting challenge of competing with millions for limited job opportunities. Enocentus Wambua, a graduate with a Degree in IT, remarked on the diminishing appeal of university education due to the prevalent unemployment among graduates, despite significant financial investments by their families.
Wambua shared, “Only a few of us are celebrating because we know what awaits us. The thought of graduating to stay jobless for years is mentally draining. We have seen several comrades sink into depression after being jobless despite completing university with marketable degrees
.”
Irene Kimani, another graduate, plans to further her education to improve her employability, noting the current difficulty in securing jobs. “At the moment, it seems degrees are not marketable and that’s why I need to further my studies. Others will have to become more innovative or enterprising to make it,” she stated.
Graduates Wisdom Njoroge and Cecile Okoye emphasized the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and industries to facilitate job placements. They, along with others, urged the government to implement policies that create employment opportunities for the youth.
Professor Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, called for innovation in higher education to offer marketable programs that equip students with skills for self-employment and enhance their employability. “Over the years, we have been offering academic programmes that are marketable like Computer engineering, IT, nursing among others to enable students become entrepreneurs. Youth unemployment
is a big challenge that universities and other stakeholders should help in addressing,” he said.
The ceremony at the university’s Juja Campus saw 2,556 students graduating in various disciplines, all facing a challenging job market ahead.