A Murang’a University of Technology graduate is struggling to make ends meet after months of unsuccessful job hunting, a situation he says has pushed him into taking up a series of casual and physically demanding jobs to survive.
Source: TikTok
Albert Alex Kimari Wachira graduated last year with a degree in Criminology, with hopes of securing formal employment in the security and safety sector.
Speaking to NGBREAKINGNEWS, he says reality has been harsh, with over 15 job interviews ending in rejection, most employers demanding prior experience he does not have.
“Unajua kawaida, after graduation the boy child is left on his own,” he said, loosely translating to mean that young men are often expected to figure life out alone after campus.
Despite his academic qualifications, Albert says he has repeatedly been told he lacks the required five years’ experience, a requirement that has locked him out of entry-level opportunities.
Read also
Kenyans raise over KSh 150k for eloquent garbage collector caring for 3 children and ailing wife
Murang’a University graduate turns to menial jobs
With limited options, he first took up a night-shift security guard job. However, he says the harsh cold nights made the work unbearable. He later tried construction work (mjengo), but also struggled due to the physically demanding nature of the job, noting that he does not have a strong build for such labour.
“I tried mjengo, but it was too much for me. The work is very hard when you are not used to it,” he said.
Albert then turned to washing clothes for households, commonly known as “baba fua,” earning about KSh 250 per basket. However, he says the demand was inconsistent, making it difficult to rely on as a stable source of income.
Currently, he says he is working in gas delivery services using a motorcycle, trying to piece together an income from different informal jobs to sustain himself.
Read also
George Ruto explains why he ventured into business despite being first son
Despite the struggles, Albert maintains that his passion remains in the security field. He says he is interested in opportunities in security management, investigations, intelligence, or even policy development, areas he believes align with his academic background and long-term career goals.
“I love anything to do with security and the safety of people and property. I just wish I could get a chance in that field,” he said.
His story reflects a growing concern among young graduates in Kenya facing a tough transition from university to the job market, where experience requirements and limited entry-level opportunities continue to lock many out of formal employment.
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
