The Government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is preparing a National policy on career and counselling for universities in Kenya to assist the students achieve their career and personal goals.
Principal Secretary State Department for University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi said that the Government deemed it fit to come up with a policy that would mold the university students to help them realize their maximum potential.
Speaking at the opening of a stakeholder’s workshop at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi yesterday, the PS was concerned over the high unemployment rates among the youth due to mismatch between their skills in the labor market and the training they receive in the universities.
Combined with under-developed soft skills, poor career selection and preparedness and planning, Amb. Nabukwesi noted that majority of university graduates remained unemployed or underemployed for lengthy periods of time.
“If this policy is effectively implemented, it will aid in guiding university students in making the right career choices that will improve employability in the job market, give them job satisfaction, enable them advance their careers and give the graduates a competitive edge,” the PS said.
Additionally, the policy will enforce the establishment of career guidance and counselling offices and training programs in the universities.
“The output of this policy is an increased productivity, creativity and innovation from the students which will no doubt contribute to the country’s development and global competitiveness,” added the PS.
The policy is among the many efforts the Ministry has embarked on in its reform process with an aim of transforming the education sector in response to the dynamic labor markets and the 21st century global trends.
The workshop was attended by representatives of both public and private universities, CEO’s from the Ministry’s SAGA’s including Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), senior Ministry officials, among other stakeholders.
By Abigail Munene
