The rate of unemployment among Kenyans aged between 18 and 34 years stands at 40%, with the economy struggling to create sufficient jobs for the 800,000 youths joining the workforce every year.
As a result, many young people, including college and university graduates, have resorted to doing menial jobs to make ends meet.
26-year-old Amos Kimutai, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Petroleum Chemistry from Kisii University, has been working at a quarry in Kaporuso, Bomet East Sub-County for the past seven months after he failed to secure formal employment.
Speaking to Nation, Kimutai said his attempts to join the police service and the army after failing to secure a job were also unsuccessful.
“I have repeatedly applied for jobs in the petroleum sector, the police, and the Kenya Defense Forces, but I have not been successful. When I graduated, I looked forward to getting employment at the National Oil Corporation, Kenya Pipeline Company or Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority, but my hopes and dreams have collapsed,” said Kimutai.
He earns about Sh100 a day working at the quarry, where he crushes stones for sale as ballast. This is what sustains him and his wife.
“It takes a day to crush one tonne of ballast, which sells for Sh300, with the owner of the quarry taking Sh200 of the money, leaving us with Sh100,” Kimutai remarked.
“One is only able to raise the earnings if by luck the client purchasing the goods does not have loaders. Depending on the tonnes procured, one is able to make an additional Sh200 by loading and offloading the trucks,” he added.
Here, he works alongside three other friends, who also hold college diplomas in various disciplines.
Peter Kipng’etich Langat graduated last year with a diploma in health records from Maanza Kenya Medical Training College. He has worked at the quarry for one year.
“I have applied for jobs in government and private institutions, but there has not been any feedback. I was told at the County Government of Bomet that I can only be taken in as a volunteer, but that it comes without a salary,” the 24-year-old father of one said.
Johna Korir has a diploma in mechanical engineering from Eldoret Polytechnic from where he graduated in 2013, and has worked at the site for the past three years. The 31-year-old has three children and his wife works as a vegetable vendor.
Dancun Korir has worked at the quarry for one year and holds a certificate and diploma in electrical engineering from Sot Technical Institute in Bomet.
“I decided to take up the quarry work as it was the only open opportunity, so that I could at least stop relying on my parents for upkeep,” said Korir, 25.
Besides being mocked by villagers, who argue that they wasted their time getting education, the four young men are exposed to danger at the quarry due to a lack of protective gear.
They also have no medical insurance and have to walk at least seven kilometers from the village to the quarry and back every day.
Canada is accepting college…
Canada is accepting college graduates from across the world.
Ndugu Kipchirchir Samoei…
Ndugu Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto: Badala ya kutupa pesa kanisani kwa nini kwa miaka hii yote umekuwa makamu wa rais hujajenga kiwanda chochote ambacho kinaweza kuzalisha kazi kwa vijana?
Petroli unayotumia kwenda makanisani kumwaga pesa huko kwa makasisi hao bandia ni ya kutoka mfukoni mwako au ni ya serikali?
Je, unajua ya kwamba dini hiyo yako na huyo “mungu” wako unayemwabudu ni wa Kiyahudi. Tangu lini WaNandi wamekuwa Wayahudi?
“mungu” anatokana na lugha ya watu, mila za watu, na pia historia ya watu. Ndiyo sababu kuna dini 4,300 duniani.
Nakuomba uanze kumwabudu “mungu” wa KiNandi na uachane na “mungu” wa Kiyahudi. Fuata mfano wa watu wa Bara Hindi (India). Watu hawa walitawaliwa na Waingereza karibu miaka 200 na mpaka sasa, wangali na majina ya asili yao, lugha ya asili yao, mila za asili yao, na isitoshe, imani ya mababu zao.
Landi mawe grads predicament…
Landi mawe grads predicament a mark of serious unemployment. Its worth trying further studies or employment over seas.
@Imara, you are asking too…
@Imara, you are asking too much from Mr. “Bwana asifiwe.” This con is a liar and a cheat who has stolen colossal amount of money leaving other thieves and foes in total shock! Thats besides making a few disappear. How could such evil exist in one brain? His only craft is thievery and NOT job creation for the youth. The only thing he will offer are wheelbarrows hopefully that would work well in the quarry. If they protest them too would disappear.
That Jew God he prays needs to create a special place for this evil man along with Hitler.
I feel for these young men…
I feel for these young men and plenty of others in their situation. In Kenya you will only get hired if you have connections and money. Hard to even blame the government because even the private sector is bad as it is. I once contemplated moving back to Kenya but I said nah I’m good here.
“In Kenya you will only get…
“In Kenya you will only get hired if you have connections and money”. Besides that, it seems that every Kenyan including members of one’s family are conmen when they learn mtu amerudi home kutoka majuu. Con games start right from the moment you land at JKIA, from the forex exchange worker to uber drivers. Wacha nifie Afghanistan.
“They also have no medical…
“They also have no medical insurance and have to walk at least seven kilometers from the village to the quarry and back every day” How long can our youths live like this?Is there any wonder that some turn to crime instead of back breaking work year after year,and their certificates turning yellow,and grades fading.making a B look like a D.
About 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 years,I believe Kenya is in that ball pack.This is the age of marrying and starting afamily.What I can tell the youth,is not to think about starting afamily,till you secure you life.Otherwise,you will be creating tremendous pressure on your self,and family.Needless to remind you that,chances of marital survival under financial wanting is dismal.This is no brainer. So please think seriously about your future,before you involve some one else.Every one for him,or herself…That is till the government wakes up from slumber and do something,in way of creating more opportunities.
This is the same soft advice…
This is the same soft advice I gave myself those many years ago when I was their age – avoid relationships/ marriage at all costs until I have some financial means. Sounds like cool advice. But then years were just flying by & before long, nikawa mbuyu. Had to abandon my own advice nikaoa somebody who could put up with my financial circumstances. There are a few women (very few) who are ready to settle down with a hardworking young man, warts & all. My advice to young men – avoid women as much as possible especially if you are broke. But if you come across that very rare young lady who’s willing to sacrifice material comforts in order to improve both of your situations, by all means bring her home. Some women will just make you rich
@ Mlachake, well put. Of…
@ Mlachake, well put. Of course there are exceptions to a general rule.Good for you the”exception rule” worked in your favor.But Yes there isno point in burdening yourself with marriage,and family when you can hardly manage yourself financially.It is risky.Especially in material minded society of today.
Mla chake ? Do you ever…
Mla chake ? Do you ever comment anything without talking about women do this, did this esp kikuyu women did you wrong brother we get it but equally they are those who were uplifted by the same and they too praise them just like you demonize them.I bet your mother uplifted you, what if she avoided ( abort) you and all those who sit here bashing women as the cause of their woes. Kuna shujaa hapa aliuliza maybe it is you…
@Maxiley you are on a streak…
@Maxiley you are on a streak with bad advice. What’s going on? I’m losing confidence in you brother. These young men can put off starting families because of finances or not securing their lives as you put it. That’s a western way of thinking, which goes to show you’ve been in America too long. Family before finances, God will always provide. I’m not totally disagreeing with your advice, I understand you need money to live but a man needs something to call their own. Having a family is it for these brothers. If you wait to secure your life in Kenya then start a family, you will be waiting for a very very long time. We are fortunate to be in America that yes, you can secure your life then start a family. So let’s not be naive about life in Kenya for these young adults.
@ KK,I am very mindful that…
@ KK,I am very mindful that the need to procreate is inert in human beings.I am also aware that, good decision making is good for humanity.No point breeding for the sake of breeding.Human babies need more than food,and cloth…Careful planning is needed.Otherwise you will dump your problems on others.
What, I have said will hardly have an impact on the likes who have your mentality.But any sensible young man who has no job,and can hardly fend for himself,it would be a bad idea for him to get married.Can you a really argue with that? God is not going to put food,or cloths someone who is unemployed,or has no means of subsistence.If God provided, we would not have hunger,or unemployment would we? I think its agood advise.
@ KK,I am very mindful that…
@ KK,I am very mindful that the need to procreate is inert in human beings.I am also aware that, good decision making is good for humanity.No point breeding for the sake of breeding.Human babies need more than food,and cloth…Careful planning is needed.Otherwise you will dump your problems on others.
What, I have said will hardly have an impact on the likes who have your mentality.But any sensible young man who has no job,and can hardly fend for himself,it would be a bad idea for him to get married.Can you a really argue with that? God is not going to put food,or cloths someone who is unemployed,or has no means of subsistence.If God provided, we would not have hunger,or unemployment would we? I think its agood advise.
@ BTW @ KK, agood idea has…
@ BTW @ KK, agood idea has not permanent geographical location.If it works in the West,why should it not work in Kenya,or africa,under the same conditions? I will take agood advise from anyone.But most importantly, it has to make “Scientific sense”.
“They also have no medical…
“They also have no medical insurance and have to walk at least seven kilometers from the village to the quarry and back every day” How long can our youths live like this?Is there any wonder that some turn to crime instead of back breaking work year after year,and their certificates turning yellow,and grades fading.making a B look like a D.
About 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 years,I believe Kenya is in that ball pack.This is the age of marrying and starting afamily.What I can tell the youth,is not to think about starting afamily,till you secure you life.Otherwise,you will be creating tremendous pressure on your self,and family.Needless to remind you that,chances of marital survival under financial wanting is dismal.This is no brainer. So please think seriously about your future,before you involve some one else.Every one for him,or herself…That is till the government wakes up from slumber and do something,in way of creating more opportunities.
Ndugu @ Mugikuyu:
The…
Ndugu @ Mugikuyu:
The patriotic, peace loving, and hard working people of Kenya should demand that Ndugu Samoei Arap Ruto’s name be withdrawn and be permanently disqualified and barred from running for any public elective office come 2022 and beyond. This man is totally beyond redemption. He is a pathological, incorrigible, and congenital liar not fit to be the president of any country on planet earth.
He used the public time and resources to finish and defend his doctorate at the University of Nairobi. It’s time he gives back to Kenya what he has taken from us. Therefore, he should immediately start applying for a teaching position at his alma mater or elsewhere come 2022.
Jobs are a creation of…
Jobs are a creation of services needed and wanted and rendered to the people in a nation. Whoever supplies your needs, even for a fee, that’s the person who has your job. All the clothes that come from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand etc are made by the people you have employed indirectly! Same case with French cut suites, Italian shoes, the foreign banks and foreign insurance companies – they all take the profit back home to take good care of their families. Thousands and thousands of people abroad have jobs due to the fact that they take care of our needs and wants. If we decide to provide for ourselves locally-we would suddenly have millions of jobs in our hands. Can you imagine that foreigners have even come home to prepare meals for us: Chinese food, Burger King, Kentucky fried chicken? I know, they employ locals but they take profit abroad. A native would also make private profit; but would end up spending it at home thereby expanding the economy further. We need made in Kenya! We need Kenya first! It’s okay to buy things from abroad but it must that which we lack capability to make/manufacture at home. We must strive towards self-sufficient.
@Mwororo how then can we…
@Mwororo how then can we brag about top of the range this, posh that, exclusive this, and designer that and high end this. I’m not saying don’t treat yourself, but at least think about what value it adds to your life. We have been brainwashed kidogo and unfortunately we produce raw materials rather than finished products. Some of our products (tea comes to mind) are, IMHO, superior in taste and packaging to anything I’ve found here. Lipton and other mass market brands aren’t even close. Why won’t Ketepa or Safari work on being in American supermarket shelves.
The present education in…
The present education in Kenya since independence is a DEAD END EDUCATION.
No country was ever developed using a foreigners language.
A country without a language of unification is half a nation.
Japan- Japanese
Germany- German
France- French
China- Chinese
Europe- English
Africa- No unifying language.
How do you pay thousands of Shillings to get a prescribed education that leads you to a dead end? (Working at a quarry crushing stones for sale)?
” Any education that does not take into consideration the inseparable unity between the African lineage and African thinking is based on false principles and must lead to the alienation of the individual from his own self, his principles and his past” (history).
“By taking a people’s language we kill and destroy their mental individuality and their creativity”.
It’s time to hold our so called leaders accountable for the DEAD END EDUCATION that they prescribe for our country!!
Time to stop the DEAD END EDUCATION and chart our own path!!
“Ee mungu nguvu yetu”!!
Correction: (1)USA, Canada…
Correction: (1)USA, Canada and Australia use foreigner language. (2) China official language is Mandarin not Chinese. Europe is a continent and each country has it own official language not English as you have stated.
This is a sad affair…
This is a sad affair. However, 4 graduates and they cant collectively come up with a better business venture than crushing rocks!
Realistically, it is not the role of government to create jobs, but a conducive environment for that.
These 40% of unemployed Kenyans are enough to change the political system. Start organizing through the WhatsApp’s and other media.
Canada does take people you…
Canada does take people you need a lawyer
Going to university is good…
Going to university is good for earning a degree. It is also best to go for majors or tertiary education that secure employment after graduation. That is why some smart high school graduates are choosing technical and vocational institutes instead of universities even after qualifying for university education. The issue of marriage is a personal choice. There are a lot of poor people in happy marriages and there are also unhappy rich couples(Mutua for instance).Going abroad is expensive and not all who are seeking jobs can afford the flight and the visa. Arap Mashamba should have set up scholarships for the youths to study abroad, or even encouraged more investors to come and set up jobs in Kenya. The boda boda dude is earring more than ten times the quarry dudes. These quarry dudes should try their hands in the transport sector. Arap Mashamba could also buy them boda bodas.
@ Jasiri, I disagree with…
@ Jasiri, I disagree with your statement that there are alot of poor people in happy marriages. You definition of ahappy marriage obviously differ from mine.In addition,”poor” is relative,but consider the following,and decide if you can be happy:
1 You cannot not feed,and cloth your kids
2 You cannot afford school fees for your kids
3 Your wife wants some beauty supplies,but you cannot afford.
4 You bicycle just broke down with a sack of maindi in the middle of a steep hill
5 You have a leaky roof that you cannot immediately afford to fix
6 Your inlaws are demanding the unfinished bride price…
7 Your wife needs some cash to take care of some feminine matter.
8. Your backbreaking job at the quarry is finished
9 Rumour has it that your young wife was seen in another town,when she phoned you that she was at another place.
Given this back drop you can see that most problems would be solved by some “riches”. So how can you be happy being poor…?
Ofcourse,Iam not saying that riches= happiness.But riches surely reduce the “friction”,in the family.And less friction means less tear,and wear on marriage. What say you?
@ Mlachake: Wewe kweli ni…
@ Mlachake: Wewe kweli ni nabii mzuri (prophet) wa maisha ya kisassa.
Never lose hope. You may…
Never lose hope. You may end up owing the quarry.
very sad
very sad
There goes the education…
There goes the education system once again showing we are educated to be workers but not business owners.
This brother’s could either come up with small scale business partnership or leave the country.