In Kenya, much like in various global contexts, education is commonly perceived as a conduit to success and a brighter future. Young scholars invest their time, effort, and aspirations in the pursuit of higher education, envisioning lucrative employment and the construction of a prosperous life.
Nevertheless, the harsh reality for numerous graduates, exemplified by the experiences of individuals like Evans Kibet, diverges starkly from these optimistic aspirations, as they grapple with the formidable challenges of unemployment and deferred dreams.
A Quest for Knowledge and Aspirations of Triumph
Evans Kibet embarked on his educational journey with zeal and an unwavering faith in the transformative potential of education. Progressing from primary school through high school and eventually onto a university campus, he showcased unyielding determination and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
His objective was unequivocal: to acquire academic qualifications that would position him for a thriving career, envisaging roles such as a graduate teacher or even a university professor.
The Promising Path to Graduation
For a considerable stretch of his educational odyssey, Kibet seemed to be on a trajectory aligned with his aspirations. He diligently amassed the requisite academic qualifications, skills, and experience, setting the stage for what appeared to be a promising career in academia.
Upon completing his undergraduate program with a second-class upper division Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Kenyatta University in 2013, Kibet’s ambition to become a university professor began to materialize. Opting to pursue postgraduate studies just a year after graduation, he harbored the belief that attaining a master’s degree before seeking employment would enhance his prospects for success.
The Harsh Reality of Unemployment
During his postgraduate studies, Kibet’s trajectory seemed to align with his ambitions. The university acknowledged his potential, involving him, along with other students, in roles where they supervised and evaluated fellow students in diverse academic capacities.
Yet, Kibet’s dreams faced an abrupt interruption due to unforeseen challenges. Changes implemented by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, including a reduction in capitation fees, inadvertently rendered Kibet and many others unemployed.
This sudden twist of fate thrust them into an uncertain sea where job opportunities became elusive, and their academic qualifications felt more like burdens than assets.
Desperation and the Sale of Academic Certificates
Confronting the harsh reality of protracted unemployment and shattered aspirations, Kibet contemplated a drastic measure. He pondered the sale of his academic certificates, including his ID card, transcripts, and certificates, to the highest bidder.
This desperate decision arose from the depths of despair he had plumbed in his pursuit of a brighter future. “I am selling my ID card, certificates, and transcripts. I am not flaunting my modest achievements but searching for a serious buyer,” he courageously declared.
These valuable documents were listed for sale with an asking price of Sh5 million or awarded to the highest bidder, laying bare his struggles for all to witness.
The Struggles of Many Graduates
Evans Kibet’s narrative mirrors the challenges faced by numerous well-educated individuals in Kenya and beyond. Despite their commendable academic achievements and unyielding determination, they find themselves ensnared in a cycle of unemployment, compelled to downplay their qualifications during interviews to secure even the most modest opportunities.
