Look beyond office jobs, graduates told

Gretsa University Chancellor Dr Mbugua Kibathi (left) congratulates Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung'aro after he was conferred with a Bachelor of Commerce (Business Management) with second class honors.The MP called on his fellow political leaders who do not have academic papers to go back to school in order to enhance their administration and management skills. PHOTO BY KAMAU MAICHUHIE.

Students graduating from universities and colleges have been challenged not to peg their hopes on white collar jobs but to embrace entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the sixth graduation ceremony at Gretsa University in Thika, Chancellor Mbugua Kibathi said finding a white collar job was almost becoming impossible and called on graduates to try their hands at business.

"According to statistics from the Government, about 500,000 graduates are churned out every year, causing the job market to flood. Only 25 per cent are absorbed into the job market, either by the Government or in the private sector," said Dr Kibathi.

He said entrepreneurship has become one of the most lucrative ventures in the country and urged graduates not to shy away from doing business in order to make ends meet.

He said liberalisation and integration had opened door to many business opportunities, which he told graduates to take advantage of.

"We have the 30 per cent rule, which sets aside tenders and contracts in both national and county governments for youths, which they should take up. The East African Community also offers a huge market base of more than 100 million consumers, which is a recipe for business," he said.

University Council Chair Peter Kimbera challenged the graduands to strive to be job creators and not job seekers. "You now have in you requisite knowledge and expertise, which if well utilised will help you create jobs for yourselves and for others as well," said Prof Kimbera.

Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung'aro, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Business Management), echoed the chancellor's sentiments, calling on graduates to be innovative and not to be afraid of venturing into business.