The unemployment
rate in Kenya stands at 40%. To
understand the crisis let me begin by explaining unemployment rate: It is the
number of people actively looking for a job divided by the labour force.
(tradingconomics.com)
During the last
national census it was found that 78.3% of
Kenyan’s population was younger than 35 years. This means that a majority of
the unemployed in Kenya are youths. These are the same people who are supposed
to facilitate economic growth.
Generally
speaking, unemployment has been blamed on the Kenyan education system, the half
backed graduates and also the poor state of the economy.
According to
Martin Githaiga a HR consultant in a firm in Westlands, unemployment is as a
result of faster population growth as compared to the economic growth. With the
current population explosion there are fewer jobs as compared to the people
seeking employment.
Job seekers are
also to blame for their predicament. “Most graduates have poor job searching
habits, they tend to apply for jobs which they do not qualify for,” Said
Martin. He also said that, the youths have their focus on white collar jobs
which in result has left most of them unemployed.
What
about the big company syndrome? “Most job seekers only want to
work for big companies. It is the only way they will feel productive.” Martin
pointed out. So if you are waiting to be employed with Safaricom, KCB, Standard
media or even Nation Media then you will be waiting for a long time.
“Our education
system is also to blame,” Brian Mureithi a professional Journalist stated as I
talked to him about unemployment. As I always say, students have been turned
into cramming robots with focus being academic excellence. “What you learn in
class is not what you get in the job market,” Brian explained.
How
can the government deal with unemployment? “The government
should create an environment that allows for investments. This will increase
the number of employers which in turn reduces unemployment rate,” Martin said.
He believes
that, the government should not be the largest employers as it is at the
moment. The best way to deal with the unemployment menace is if the government
shares the burden by allowing the private sector to flourish.
My friend Brian
holds that, the entire curriculum should be reviewed. The government should
then introduce more relevant courses and skill oriented courses. Graduates need
practical skills so as to survive in the job market. Mr. President this would be a
wonderful time to reintroduce woodwork and art and craft.
Job seekers
should also take up the challenge of making themselves more desirable. Relying
on just your degree or diploma will not get you far. According to Martin,
graduates should try and do additional relevant short courses so as to remain
relevant in the job market.
My dear friends,
when placing your job application make sure you meet the requirements that way
you will be less disappointed with the response. Finally, if formal employment
does not work for you try self employment.
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