As 2022 examinations take shape, you may perhaps have noticed numerous ongoing graduation ceremonies, associated with both public and private universities. Graduation is no mean achievement, after spending a minimum of a whole 18 years of schooling, to acquire the first degree. The financial investments on this achievement are also overwhelming.
Nevertheless, graduation marks the beginning of life after school. A few are somehow lucky, but the vast majority aren’t. Imagine more than 50% of Kenyan University graduates are largely unemployable !
Further, majority of those lucky to secure jobs largely join the more than 80% of employed Kenyans, who are totally dispassionate, about their careers or the work they do. This is a sad situation indeed.
Actually, what exactly happened to the power to read and do what appertains to the degrees conferred? Why is the same trend of disempowerment still prevailing in this 3rd decade of the 21st Century? Are universities providing solutions or just doing the same, as was the case in the 20th Century?
In September 2016, I still recall some observations made during the Career Day of a Leading Public University, where I had been engaged as a guest speaker. Alongside, I noticed that only 10% of the 3rd and 4th year students, in the forum, made choices of pursuing career pathways, associated with their passion.
Another 10% of the same students somehow landed into career pathways that ended up being aligned with their passion. What about the balance of 80% of the students? Some indicated that they were influenced by peer pressure, parents, teachers and sadly the then JAB – Joints Admissions Board, to pursue the ongoing degrees.
As such, the students were waiting for the jobs they were likely to secure after leaving school, in order to determine the eventual careers. Really? Imagine students at that level, lacking strategic direction! That is why this experience, was articulated in the epilogue of Living Beyond Survival: No More Tiptoeing in Life.
Meanwhile, there is a fall back on these disempowerment issues that has largely been taken very casually by most Kenyans. Around November 2019, I attended a graduation Ceremony of a young relative. All I knew about studies, was that Kevin was pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, in one of the public Universities.
Outside school, Kevin was for many years, a renown cloth designer of men’s outfit. His cousins could attest to this and were actually wondering why Kevin’s studies were totally dilinked from the passion in design.
During Kevin’s graduation, I was surprised to learn that Kevin had experienced a number of supplimentary exams, which had led to delayed graduation. When asked to say something about Kevin’s achievement, I couldn’t hide my concerns regarding the dilinking of Kevin’s passion and studies in Mechanical Engineering.
Eventually, I presented Kevin with two publications titled “The 21st Century Student; Are You Creating the Future Today,” as well as the KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century.” I asked Kevin to read the two publications as he sets towards seeking employment.
About a year ago, I met Kevin somewhere in Westlands, Nairobi. He had gone to meet a customer who needed outfits for an upcoming wedding. Seemingly, the search for a job as a Mechanical Engineer was not one of Kevin’s priorities. He is busy seeking success guided by the power within him, rather than the studies pursued. One wonders why Kenyan students should in this 21st Century, continue mismatching their passion with studies, thus eventual careers.
FYI
Best wishes to all the 2022 KCSE candidates. Particularly, we strongly believe that those who have read our publications as well as enjoyed our CREATING THE FUTURE TODAY SEMINAR, are eagerly awaiting the next level of empowerment, as has continually been experienced by those before them.
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach,
Speaker/Trainer/ Consultant on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Seasoned Trainer of Trainers,
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect,
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
- The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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