Kiambu county senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has revealed that his office received an overwhelming response after advertising a single vacancy for a Photographer and Video Editor, with the large number of applicants underscoring the growing challenge of youth unemployment in the country.
According to the senator while giving a statement said that the advertisement sought a creative professional capable of documenting public interest activities, sometimes in highly volatile environments that may involve political tension, police presence, and unpredictable circumstances. The role required courage and commitment, as the successful candidate would be expected to work in situations that could expose them to tear gas, protests, and other risky conditions.
The application window has since closed, and the senator disclosed that a total of 576 applications were submitted for the single position. Of these, 533 were from male applicants while 43 were from female applicants, all competing for one opportunity.
“This means nearly 600 qualified young Kenyans applied for a single job,” Thang’wa said, noting that the figures go beyond a simple statistic and instead highlight the harsh realities facing young people seeking employment.
He described the numbers as a clear reflection of the scale of youth unemployment in Kenya, stressing that such competition for a single entry-level creative role should prompt serious reflection on the country’s employment policies.
The senator questioned the effectiveness of government programs designed to address joblessness among young people, citing the Nyota Program, which was launched to help tackle youth unemployment despite being supported by donor funding.
Thang’wa wondered how the government could claim progress in reducing unemployment when a single creative position attracted hundreds of applicants.
“When almost 600 young people are competing for one opportunity, it raises serious questions about whether existing initiatives are delivering the intended results,” he said.
The senator further observed that the demanding nature of the job did not deter applicants, even though the role explicitly stated that the successful candidate might have to operate in challenging environments involving police operations, tear gas, and politically charged situations.
“That nearly 600 young people still applied despite the risks demonstrates the determination and resilience of our youth,” he said. “They are not afraid or broken. What they lack are opportunities.”
Thang’wa called on the national government to urgently review and strengthen youth employment policies, arguing that current initiatives appear to be falling short of addressing the needs of the country’s young population.
“The evidence before us is clear. Programs meant to empower young people must be re-evaluated to ensure they deliver meaningful and sustainable opportunities,” he added.
At the same time, the senator expressed appreciation to all the applicants who submitted their credentials for the position, acknowledging their courage, creativity, and willingness to pursue opportunities despite the stiff competition.
He noted that although only one candidate will ultimately be selected for the job, every application represents the immense potential that exists among Kenyan youth.
Thang’wa assured the applicants that their efforts were not in vain, stating that the submitted applications would remain part of a valuable talent database that could be considered for future opportunities.
“My office will continue exploring ways to engage and support talented young professionals wherever possible,” he said.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to creating opportunities for youth within his capacity while also advocating for stronger national policies that empower young people and unlock their potential.
