As higher learning institutions in Kenya continue to churn out graduates every year, millions of them are still struggling to find job opportunities amid an employment t crisis in the country.
Reports indicate that universities and colleges in the country release close to one million graduates every year but only a fraction of them are absorbed in the job market and especially the formal sector.
Stakeholders including youth groups and religious factions have continued making rallying calls to the government to prioritize creating opportunities for the young graduates to help them shape their career journeys and turn them into productive citizens who can contribute positively to the country’s economic growth.
Reverend Joyce Munyiri of Glory Outreach Assembly (GOA) Church pointed out that a huge number of graduates have sunk into depression after failing to secure internship slots as well as job opportunities after finishing their studies.
This, she said, has forced many of them into indulging in antisocial vices including drugs and alcoholism as well as petty crimes adding that majority of them are now exhibiting mental health issues.
“Parents have played their roles of educating their children and the young ones have completed their studies but employment opportunities are limited. This is why we are urging the government to roll out programmes and come up with policies that will facilitate creation of opportunities for the young graduates,” Rev Munyiri said.
She made the sentiments at Thome Estate while celebrating academic milestone of Munyiri Africa Foundation (MAF) Managing Director Mary Waithera, who graduation with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from Strathmore University.
“The issue of mental health among the youth is increasingly becoming a menace in the society. It’s arising from economic and life frustrations that can be solved once their plight is addressed,” she noted.
Rev Munyiri at the same time chided politicians who are taking advantage of the jobless youths and turning them into their political tools to advance their political agendas.
“Hiring these unemployed and vulnerable youths to perpetrate violence and advance certain political agendas destroys young lives and threatens National peace. There are parents who are still mourning their son’s and daughters who perished in politically instigated violence,” She pointed out.
The Cleric also challenged the government to deal decisively with corruption with State agencies, departments and parastatals noting that graft dealings have denied thousands of deserving Kenyan youths job opportunities.
Bishop David Thagana, the General Secretary of the Federation of Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK) called on young graduates to be more innovative so as to fir in the global job market.
“Incorporating innovative ideas with the skills acquired in universities and colleges will give our youth a competitive edge in the job market. Jobs are drastically evolving due to technological disruptions and our youth must remain abreast with the advancements so as to fit in,” Bishop Thagana said.
He at the same time urged the youth to exploit other opportunities in the digital economy noting that businesses are now being held digitally through diverse platforms.
MAF MD Mary Waithera echoed similar sentiments and challenged peers to be more innovating so as to being outstanding in their work places. She also noted that being in innovative and entrepreneurial will enable young graduates initiate their own enterprises and become job creators.
During the event MAF, which supports the destitute and small and medium enterprises (SMES), handed over a full sponsorship cheque Jamleck Kamau, a Chuka University student who deferred studies due to financial hiccups, to resume his studies next semester.
