Jobless Graduates, Depressed Parents: A Cry for Wider Horizons
The call is clear: a strategic effort is needed to bridge the gap between qualified graduates and suitable employment.
Young graduates from diverse universities, spearheaded by Mirriam Chelagat,(2nd L) who achieved First Class Honors, revel in celebration in Emkwen Village, Soy Subcounty. Amidst the festivities, there is a prevailing concern among the youth regarding job opportunities.
Across Kenya, parents and graduates are raising a unified voice, pleading with the government to rethink its employment strategy for university graduates. The current focus on securing local placements for technically skilled students, while laudable, leaves a sizable cohort of qualified individuals stranded.
“It’s a heartbreaking sight,” shares Peter Rotich, a parent from Emkwen Village. “We invest so much in our children’s education, only to see them languish at home, their degrees gathering dust.” This sentiment resonates with many, the frustration fueling a growing sense of despair.
“The lack of opportunities is pushing graduates to the brink,” warns Eliza Chepkosgei, a recent counseling graduate. “Depression and substance abuse are becoming alarmingly common. We need action, not just platitudes.”
Chepkosgei’s plea rings true. The current system, while catering to a specific sector, overlooks the diverse skillsets possessed by other graduates. This narrow focus not only limits individual potential but also creates a ticking social time bomb.
Mirriam Chelagat, a distinguished graduate with First Class honors from Kibabii University, expresses optimism regarding the government’s commitment to fostering increased employment opportunities for the youth. She anticipates that the government, while advocating for self-employment, will actively work towards creating more avenues for professional growth and development.
The proposed solution? A deliberate shift towards exploring international job markets. Graduates like Chebet urge both county and national governments to actively facilitate overseas employment opportunities. Collaboration with public institutions could pave the way for roles in diverse fields, from healthcare and education to finance and business.
Expanding horizons beyond local shores promises a ripple effect. Not only will it address the immediate anxieties of jobless graduates and alleviate parental worries, but it will also tap into a pool of untapped talent, boosting Kenya’s global competitiveness.
The call is clear: a strategic effort is needed to bridge the gap between qualified graduates and suitable employment. By broadening the scope of opportunity, the government can not only address individual woes but also contribute to a more vibrant and resilient future for the nation.
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