University of Nairobi Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen has raised concerns over the increasing unemployment rates among young Kenyans, emphasizing the struggles graduates face in securing job opportunities.
Speaking at a State Banquet held in honour of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at State House, Nairobi, Verkooijen noted the competitive job market and the limited formal employment opportunities available.
He reflected on the 2024 youth-led demonstrations, attributing them to the frustrations of jobless graduates. According to Verkooijen, the country produces approximately one million graduates annually, yet only one in four secures formal employment.
“Where do the rest go? Some have taken to the streets, as we saw last year. Others have sought opportunities abroad. But if this continues, no barrier will be high enough to stop it,” he remarked.
He called on the government to tap into underutilized sectors, particularly the digital economy, to create more opportunities for young people.
Verkooijen also raised concerns about the rise of ghostwriting, where Kenyan students earn a living by writing academic papers for students in prestigious universities abroad. He termed this as an ironic reality, where Kenyan students are engaged in intellectual work that benefits foreign students rather than themselves.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing youth unemployment, citing initiatives aimed at equipping students with marketable skills.
He commended the introduction of the Big 5 agenda for universities, which focuses on developing specialized courses in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, leadership, and health research.
According to Verkooijen, investing in these areas will not only equip graduates with relevant skills but also open doors for self-employment and new career paths in emerging industries.
