Employability of Graduates from Kenyan Universities: The Employer’s Perspective

Abstract

Employability of graduates, a key dimension of quality and relevance of any system of education has come under sharp focus in Kenya. Judging from the many concerns raised by employers about the need to retrain new graduate entrance to the employment sector, aspersion is being cast on the quality and relevance of University education. This study, therefore, sought to answer this by investigating the level of employability skills possessed by university graduates from the perspective of employers. The study was grounded on Human capital theory and adopted a triangular design which sought views from three different groups one of them being employers in Kericho county totaling 86. All employers were selected to take part in this study. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Multiple linear regressions was used to assess the objectives respectively. Employers recognize literacy & numerical skills, critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, and work ethics as the key skills defining current graduate’s employability. Employers, the direct consumers of the graduates from universities in Kenya holds a positive view towards the levels of employability among Kenyan graduates, with the ratings in various skills being above average. This is contrary to the often peddled belief that Kenyan graduates are ill prepared to face the challenges in the work industry. In recognition that not every graduate will be an entrepreneur, inculcating the right skills going forward will be critical for graduates to remain employable. While most universities in Kenya are more focud on training graduates who are skilled in their technical areas and specialization, more focus should be on soft skills.

Keywords: Employability of graduates, Employers, Kericho county, Kenya,

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/54-05

Publication date: April 30^th 2019