Isaac Hague Oritcho’s journey began with great promise. In 2007, he proudly graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology, brimming with optimism about the future.
He believed his academic achievements would be the key to a successful and fulfilling life, benefiting not only himself but also his family. However, little did he know that his academic credentials would turn out to be both a blessing and a curse.
Fast forward to today, and Isaac’s story has taken an unexpected and disheartening turn. Despite his impressive qualifications, he remains trapped in a relentless cycle of unemployment. The bright outlook he once had has dimmed, overshadowed by a job market that often prioritizes experience over education.
Determined to improve his prospects, Isaac pursued a postgraduate degree in Applied Human Nutrition. What he hoped would be a stepping stone to success instead became a stumbling block. Over the past 13 years, his dreams have unraveled, leaving him battling despair as each passing day erodes his hope. Ironically, his relentless pursuit of education and self-improvement has backfired. His qualifications, once seen as assets, now label him as “overqualified,” shutting him out of many opportunities.
In a heartfelt interview with K24 in 2021, Isaac opened up about his struggles. “Back in high school and university, I sacrificed countless nights of sleep, envisioning a bright future. Regrettably, disappointment now surrounds me,” he lamented.
Isaac’s tireless efforts to find employment have yielded little success. He has sent out over a thousand job applications to various sectors, including health, non-governmental organizations, food and beverage factories, and universities. Yet, rejection has been a constant companion. “In the countless applications I’ve made since graduating, I’ve been turned down either for being overqualified or because there were no openings. To me, it’s very strange,” he shared.
Isaac’s academic journey is a testament to his brilliance and hard work. He completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education at Kondele Primary School, scoring an impressive 486 marks out of 700. This achievement earned him admission to Kisumu Boys High School (now Kisumu School), where he sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 2001 and scored a B+. His exceptional performance secured him a spot at the University of Nairobi.
At university, Isaac’s dedication and academic excellence earned him significant recognition. He graduated with first-class honors and was placed on the Dean’s List, an accolade presented by Prof. Agnes Mwang’ombe, then Principal of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences. In his final year, he was awarded a certificate of merit for being the best undergraduate in the Faculty of Agriculture. This award, which involved a rigorous selection process, was presented by the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha (now Cabinet Secretary for Education). His outstanding performance also earned him a full scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition.
Despite these achievements, Isaac’s life has taken a turn he never anticipated. For the 37-year-old, managing poultry and herding cattle for his retired parents in Migosi Village, Kisumu County, has become his last resort. The dreams he once nurtured now seem distant and unattainable.
During the interview, Isaac admitted that the rejection he has faced over the years has deeply affected him, leading to moments of despair. “Sometimes, I think death is the only solution for me, especially when I don’t see a chance of living. Not once, not twice have I thought of taking poison to end my suffering. Life has been incredibly tough,” he said.
One particularly heartbreaking moment occurred when he encountered a former classmate driving an expensive car. “I was embarrassed and heartbroken when he asked me where I was. I didn’t know how to answer, so I pretended I was in a hurry,” he recounted.
Isaac Hague Oritcho’s story is a sobering reflection of the harsh realities faced by many highly educated individuals in a challenging job market. Despite his struggles, his story underscores the resilience and determination of those who, even in the face of adversity, continue to hope for a brighter future.
