After high school, most of us eagerly anticipate joining universities, colleges, or technical institutions to further our education. Many already have clear plans about the courses they want to pursue, and often, they stick to their initial choices. However, this is not always the case for everyone. Some may fall short of the required cluster points for their desired courses, while others may change their minds about what they want to do.
The course one ultimately chooses depends on various factors, including personal passion and the institutions offering the program. In Kenya, however, the primary determinant is often the marketability of the course. Marketable careers align with the needs of the current job market and equip individuals with skills applicable to the local economy. Below are some of the most marketable fields in Kenya today.
Medicine has long been regarded as the most marketable course in Kenya. It requires passion and patience due to its demanding nature, which often leads some students to drop out mid-way. The field is highly sought after because there is a shortage of qualified medical professionals, creating numerous opportunities for graduates. Specializations under medicine include surgery, dentistry, physiotherapy, homeopathic medicine, medical laboratory technology, and medical science.
Digital marketing is another highly marketable field, focusing on promoting products and services through modern platforms such as social media, emails, websites, and video platforms. As companies increasingly shift from traditional marketing to digital spaces, the demand for professionals who can create content and strategies for online platforms continues to grow. Careers in digital marketing include web design and digital graphic design.
Agriculture and related studies have also gained traction among Kenyan students who recognize the potential for profitability in improving food production methods. Agriculture remains vital since it plays a central role in feeding the population, creating numerous job opportunities. Courses like food science and technology, animal science, and agribusiness management are excellent options for those interested in this field.
Nursing, like medicine, is a demanding but rewarding course in Kenya. Nurses work closely with doctors to ensure patients receive the care they need. The ever-present need for medical attention ensures constant demand for nursing professionals in both the private and public sectors. Specializations include family health nursing, psychiatric nursing, critical care nursing, ophthalmic care nursing, and nephrology.
Journalism is another promising field, offering opportunities as a reporter, editor, or even as a content creator for blogs and other digital platforms. Journalism courses provide insights into various fields, including ethics, history, and content production for digital, broadcast, and print media. Specializations include mass communication, photojournalism, and radio and TV production.
Law remains a popular choice for those passionate about justice and legal matters. With constant disputes involving individuals, companies, and the government, lawyers are always in demand. Specializations include criminal law, taxation law, corporate law and management, labor law, and women’s studies and gender.
Computer science is a broad field that encompasses the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and technology. Careers in this field include cybersecurity analysts, data analysts, web developers, software engineers, and system analysts. As technology continues to evolve, this sector remains highly marketable.
Civil engineering focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining the natural and built environment. With Kenya’s rapid growth and increasing construction projects, the demand for civil engineers is high. Potential roles include building services engineer, construction manager, and quantity surveyor.
Real estate management has been on an upward trend in Kenya, as evidenced by the numerous advertisements for real estate opportunities. This growth creates several job openings in fields like fintech, construction, real estate management, and mortgage companies.
Pharmacopoeia is another marketable field that ensures medicines and their ingredients are safe, effective, and of high quality. The continuous demand for medicine, driven by the high incidence of illnesses, guarantees job opportunities for professionals in this sector. Relevant courses include chemistry, pharmaceuticals, pharmacology, and human biology and psychology.
Choosing a career path that aligns with market trends ensures not only personal satisfaction but also financial stability in an ever-changing job market.
