When I think of marketability of a course, two poignant points criss-cross my mortal mind. One, there is marketability of the course itself. Two, there is marketability of the person pursuing it. The second point means a lot in career choices. No wonder, in our career talks we are fond of telling students: There are no marketable courses, but there are marketable people.
Somehow, based on extensive research and findings, employers in Kenya are in exigent need of workers in the fields of Information Technology (IT), finance, business management, engineering, transportation, distribution, logistics and law. Of course, nothing remains fixed like the laws of Medes and Persia. World of work is dynamic. Change is inevitable.
I augment my argument with the Skills Needs Survey of 521 enterprises. It was a joint effort of Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Nexford University and Africa Digital Media Institute. There is a radical technological change in the labour market. Therefore, the mismatch between workers’ skills and the ones relevant in available jobs, sticks out as a top priority policy concern.
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Ostensibly, when we take a sneak peek into the world of work, a mismatch between employers’ expectations and job seekers qualifications contribute to the high rate of unemployment. Apart from academic and professional qualifications, employers keep identifying dearth of essential soft skills as a major cause of unemployment.
Then, some graduates can hardly communicate effectively. Some, lack critical thinking, teamwork and time management skills, which students should nurture right from high school. No wonder, those who have read The Essential Career Guide written by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), will nod to this assertion revolving around Upskilling. For every course cited, the good guide captures skills and interests.
In addition, the most sought-after competencies in ICT are also worth penning on paper. This special sphere encompasses ability to communicate and collaborate on digital platforms, use of electronics, machine ware, smart components, communication technology and digital security. Moreover, vacancies that are hard to fill that require TVET skill level are in architecture, building and construction, engineering, transportation, distribution and logistics. Then, those that mostly require first-level university education are in information technology, finance and business management.
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In retrospect, in 2021, the Government released a giant list of core courses ranked priority areas, based on The Big 4 Agenda and the broader Vision 2030. Interestingly, data released by KUCCPS depicted that in the 2022 selection and placement: Education, commerce and computer science, emerged as the most preferred courses students chose.
And in 2023 varsity placements, Bachelor of Education topped the list. It emerged as the most sought-after degree programme. Somewhat, several students chose to pursue Bachelor of Education (Arts). Bachelor of Education (Science) followed suit. Then, a good group purposed to pursue Bachelor of Arts. A good number decided to pursue Bachelor of Commerce. While some chose Computer Science.
By Victor Ochieng’
The writer rolls out career talks and training services. vochieng.90@gmail.com.
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