Evans Kibet’s insatiable thirst for knowledge and unwavering faith in the transformative potential of education propelled him on a remarkable journey from primary school through high school and eventually to college. His path was defined by sheer determination and a steadfast commitment to learning.
For a substantial portion of his educational voyage, everything appeared to be unfolding as planned. Kibet diligently acquired the necessary academic qualifications, skills, and experience required to pursue a career as a graduate teacher or university professor.
However, recent unexpected challenges emerged, threatening to shatter his dreams. Despite holding a Master of Arts degree in Kiswahili from Kenyatta University, Kibet found himself facing a locked job market, where opportunities were scarce. This unfortunate turn of events cast a long shadow over his future prospects, causing his once-bright vision of a successful academic career to grow increasingly dim.
Confronted with the harsh reality of prolonged unemployment and dashed aspirations, Kibet contemplated taking an extreme step. He considered selling his academic credentials, including his ID card, transcripts, and certificates, to the highest bidder. This desperate decision reflected the depths of despair he had reached in his quest for a brighter future.
In a heartfelt plea, Kibet publicly declared, “I am selling my ID card, certificates, and transcripts. I am not flaunting my modest achievements but earnestly seeking a serious buyer.” He listed these documents with an asking price of Sh5 million or open to the highest bidder, baring his struggles for all to witness.
The shattered dreams that now haunt Kibet were not always the backdrop to his life story. After completing his undergraduate program in 2013 with a second-class upper division Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Kenyatta University, his dream of becoming a university professor started to take shape.
Merely a year after graduation, he embarked on postgraduate studies, firmly believing that obtaining his master’s degree before seeking employment would position him for greater success. During his postgraduate journey, Kibet found himself on the brink of his desired career. The university recognized his potential and engaged him, along with others, in supervising and evaluating students in various academic capacities. It was a promising glimpse into a future where he could thrive in academia.
However, this dream was abruptly halted when changes implemented by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service drastically impacted job opportunities. A reduction in capitation fees inadvertently left Kibet and many others unemployed, adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
“I have felt compelled to downplay my actual qualifications during job interviews because, at times, it seems that having such qualifications becomes a direct hindrance to securing opportunities,” he lamented.
