Graduates have been urged to take charge of their future by pursuing continuous learning, leveraging emerging technologies, and embracing self-employment as a solution to the country’s worsening unemployment crisis.
Speaking during Zetech University’s 9th graduation ceremony, Chancellor Prof. Susan Alfano challenged young people to avoid relying solely on the traditional job market, noting that opportunities increasingly favour those with advanced skills, innovation capacity, and entrepreneurial drive. With country grappling with high youth unemployment, Alfano said graduates must position themselves as creators of opportunity rather than passive job seekers.
“The young people should not only be ready for employment, but for leadership, creativity, service, and bold innovation,” she said. She emphasized that further studies, particularly in technology, digital literacy, and applied sciences, were now essential for any graduate hoping to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market to match the fast changing world.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene also echoed her sentiments, noting that the country’s joblessness crisis demands a mindset shift among graduates. He urged young professionals to prioritise continuous learning and explore self-employment, stressing that academic qualifications alone were no longer sufficient.
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“Poverty is dehumanizing. You have to keep learning and relearning,” he said. “Set aside what has no value and focus on building what matters. Do not wait for opportunities, create them. This nation needs young entrepreneurs who will develop start-ups, solve problems, and generate new jobs.”
The graduates were also urged to tap into government empowerment initiatives, including the NYOTA Programme and other funding opportunities which offers financial support, training, and incubation opportunities for youth-led enterprises.
They said such programmes were designed to help young people acquire modern skills, access start-up capital, and turn innovative ideas into sustainable ventures so as to develop themselves, build small businesses, and reduce overreliance on formal employment.
Chief Guest William Alexander McDonald, the High Commissioner of Barbados to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, underscored the critical role of technology and AI in redefining global workforces. He urged graduates to embrace AI as a partner rather than a threat.
Graduates who spoke at the event expressed fears about rising joblessness, noting that unemployment is driving many young people into depression, crime, and drug abuse. They urged universities to strengthen partnerships with private sector players to create smoother job transition pathways
By Our reporter
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