Universities have been urged to review and realign the courses they offer to ensure graduates acquire abilities that match the country's labour market needs.
Speaking at Kaimosi Friends University in Vihiga County on Thursday, December 18, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba warned that failure to revise university curricula would result in the institutions continuing to produce graduates who lack the practical experience required to address national challenges.
"We have reached a stage where universities are rolling out programmes and issuing qualifications that have no demand in the industry or the market. We must link our programmes to industry," the CS said.
Ogamba singled out the education program, noting that about 40% of university students enrol in education, despite the country only requiring around 35,000 teachers annually.
"In the last year alone, universities admitted over 100,000 teacher trainees. If we only employ 35,000, that leaves about 65,000 teachers every year who cannot be absorbed. We have already employed 100,000 teachers, yet many remain unemployed," he said.
The CS advised universities and prospective students to consider less congested fields, urging institutions to diversify their programs to achieve a balance in workforce supply.
"We need to tweak our programmes to areas like agriculture, where we have shortages, so that we strike the right balance," he added.
During the event, Ogamba presided over the swearing-in of new members of the Kaimosi Friends University council, with four members taking office.
The newly sworn-in chairperson, Stanley Khainga, pledged to work towards raising the institution's education standards.
Why Universities Continue to Produce Jobless Graduates
Every year, universities continue to graduate thousands of young people who struggle to find employment, a situation driven by weaknesses in the education system, changing economic needs, and personal career choices. Experts point to several underlying factors that contribute to the high levels of graduate unemployment.
The number of graduates entering the job market far exceeds available employment opportunities, with Universities producing more graduates than the economy can absorb, intensifying competition for limited jobs. Economic growth in some sectors has also not translated into meaningful job creation, particularly for entry-level roles.
Many universities still emphasise on theoretical learning rather than practical, hands-on training demanded by employers, with Graduates often leaving campus without the technical expertise they need.
Weak systems within some higher education institutions also increase the problem. Many employers require work experience, yet some students graduate without having had the opportunity for internships or exposure.
There is also Limited collaboration between universities and industry, which means training can be disconnected from real-world needs.
The ministry now argues that, to address graduate unemployment, coordinated reforms like modernising curricula, strengthening university-industry partnerships, expanding internship opportunities, and guiding students toward market-ready career paths, rather than flooding one program like education, are needed.
