As we grew up, we were often told that going through school and performing to our best would grant us a key to a bright future and well-paying job, but as time goes by, this narrative is seemingly taking a whole different turn as competition in the economy landscape heightens.
Stephen Riungu, is just one of the many graduates that envision their lives through the perspective of a university degree. Despite excelling academically and bagging a first-class degree (English and Literature in English) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in 2014, Riungu faced the harsh reality of the job market that offered little opportunity. Job application attempts yielded no results, leaving him grappling with the challenges of unemployment.
“I have made several attempts to apply for jobs, but I haven’t received any response,” Riungu says.
10 years later, undeterred by the setbacks, he sought to capitalize on the rich cultural heritage of the neighboring territory – Uganda, particularly in the realm of local brews which prompted him to venture into malwa, an African alcoholic drink made from sorghum, maize, or millet flour. This venture is what keeps him going.
Futile Job attempts
The graduate says an opportunity, which had triggered his expectations high, was cut short after the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) withheld a vacancy under which he applied.
”TSC couldn’t provide me with the number after I applied, submitted my documents, and paid the fee. This was because I had been admitted for a diploma at Tangaza College with an aggregate of C- in KCSE.” Stephen recounts.
His determination for a teaching job re-channeled his pursuit to Tanzania where, even after giving his best efforts at a job, was not sustainable enough due to the requirement for paying for a work permit in the country.
Remembering the bustle, Riungu says: “I have been struggling up and down, even teaching in Tanzania. However, the working conditions weren’t favorable because of the requirement to pay for the work permit. This circumstance led me to work as a volunteer without pay.” Despite completing a three-year diploma and subsequently enrolling for a bachelor’s degree in education where he graduated with a First-Class Honors, Kiungu has been left wondering how unfair life has been to him.
He hopes that a potential employer comes to his rescue so he can break out of the chains of frustration.
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