Study: Only two per cent of fresh graduates secure employment immediately

NAIROBI, KENYA: The place of higher education in life is increasingly questionable as an overwhelming number of graduates in Kenya are becoming unemployable.

This is because, according to a new industry survey, the graduates have either attained irrelevant qualifications or they are grossly ill-prepared for the world of work which has always required exceptional creativity and constant knowledge application.

 “It takes five years on average for a university graduate to get a full-time job,” said Moringa School co-founder and CEO Audrey Cheng during the release of “Competing in the Digital Age: The Development of IT Skills and Jobs in Kenya and Uganda”.

Also, in the skills gap report jointly released by Moringa School and Mercy Corps, the situation is dire in the IT sector as both employers and trainers have been unable to catch up with the rapid pace of innovation and forcing about 98 per cent of its graduates to require further training. 

The problem is exacerbated by the need for prior experience, which the survey found that more than 50 per cent of all IT-related postings are targeting mid-level applicants while only 2 per cent of jobs were entry-level.                   

Also, the situation is worsened by the fact that only a few of IT-related jobs are highly in demand where developers are in highest demand constituting 58 per cent of job postings while the rest are less demanded.

“The IT skills gap is stark; deficiencies in the current formal education system are the major contributing factor since most universities fail to keep up with evolving skill demand,” reads the report in part.

At the same time, the study finds that it is only tech hubs, an array of specialist training institutions, online platforms, and a small number of universities that are attempting to effectively address the problem.

“Steps should be taken to address the disconnect between IT education and employers requirements, with curricula adapted to reflect the needs of the IT industry,” he said.

For instance, Mr. Ngene said the extensive practical application of theoretical concepts needs to be introduced into curricula.

“Both universities and specialist IT training institutions should pay attention to not only emerging technologies and trends but also the specific skills employers require, “he said.