The prevailing belief suggests that attaining a higher level of education equips individuals with a more extensive understanding of the job market, industry trends, and employer expectations. This knowledge is presumed to enable individuals to adopt a strategic approach to their job search, rendering them more appealing to potential employers.
Contrary to this assumption, Kelvin Makachia Osore’s experience challenges this perspective. Despite graduating with first-class honors in Mathematics from Kenyatta University in 2018, he has found himself pushing a cart for survival.
In an interview with The Standard, Makachia shared that despite applying to over 200 companies and personally visiting numerous establishments in the Industrial area, he faced the disheartening reality of being a graduate with a degree but no job prospects.
Reflecting on his challenging situation, Makachia stated, “The many months I have ‘tarmacked’ and struggled have been utterly disappointing to my family and me, especially my mother, who is regretting why she took a loan to educate me at the university.”
Undeterred by the lack of traditional employment opportunities, Makachia decided to take an unconventional path and leverage his resourcefulness.
Faced with the choice between succumbing to frustration or exploring alternative avenues, he opted for the latter. “Since I knew someone who could lend me a cart, I decided that I will start vending water and carrying luggage for needy clients such as stall owners in Soweto area,” he explained.
His daily routine began at 4 am, collecting water from school boreholes in Soweto and delivering it to residents in need at a fee of 20 shillings per jerrican. On a good day, he could make up to Sh900 in profit, a significant departure from the uncertainty he faced during months of job hunting.
As Makachia continues to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, his story stands as an inspiration to others facing similar circumstances. While he may not have secured formal employment as initially sought, his journey has empowered him to craft his own narrative and thrive amidst adversity.
