Despite graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Kenyatta University eight years ago, Dorothy is still searching for her first job.
Her journey started with promise. From an early age, Dorothy’s academic brilliance shone through. She studied at Koru Girls Secondary School, where she scored an impressive A- in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Her performance earned her a place at Kenyatta University, one of Kenya’s top institutions. There, she pursued Biochemistry and graduated with flying colours, hopeful that her future was secure.
“Life has been really hard. I never imagined it would take this long to find a job after school,” she admits.
Her case highlights a growing problem in Kenya’s economy. While the country has recorded periods of strong growth in recent years, most of the jobs created are either low-paying, informal, or unsustainable.
Formal employment opportunities have been shrinking, with many firms freezing hiring due to reduced corporate earnings.
The numbers tell the story clearly. Kenya’s workforce is expected to rise to 40.4 million by 2035, yet job creation is not keeping pace.
Young people, especially fresh graduates like Dorothy, bear the brunt of this challenge. Unemployment rates among the youth remain much higher compared to those above 35 years.
Dorothy’s frustration is evident. Having studied a science course, she had hoped to land a position in a laboratory, research centre, or food processing company.
Today, she is appealing to organizations such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), chemical firms, and research institutions to give her a chance.
Her plea is also a reflection of the wasted potential that comes with youth unemployment. Highly educated and skilled young people are left idle, while the nation continues to import expertise in some fields.
“I am still hopeful that someone will notice my potential and give me a chance,” Dorothy says with optimism.
