Ernest Maiki Abraham, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the University of Eldoret, found himself unexpectedly returning to RCEA Kuinet Secondary School, the very institution he had left behind in 2011 after acing his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams with an impressive B+.
Life, however, took an unforeseen turn for him, leading him to assume the role of a school guard responsible for the main entrance. Despite relentless attempts to secure a white-collar job in his field of study, Ernest made the unconventional choice of becoming a school guard—a position he had never envisioned for himself.
In a candid interview with KTN, he conveyed his initial disbelief at the trajectory his life had taken, stating, “Sikutarajia kama naeza kuwa hapa hata siku moja, hata vile nimejaribu nikakosa nikasema ai wacha niishie tu kwenye nitaishia kwa sababu nimejaribu nikajaribu na nguvu zote sijafaulu” (I never expected I could end up here even for a day. Even though I tried, I failed. I decided to settle for this because I gave it my all and still couldn’t make it).
Ernest’s journey highlights the challenging reality faced by numerous young graduates in Kenya. Despite giving his best efforts, he found himself unable to secure employment in his chosen field.
With unwavering determination, he sent out numerous job applications to prestigious employers, spanning technology firms to multinational corporations and supermarkets.
“Inafika mahali unakata tamaa, kwanza nikiwa University of Eldoret vitu mingi ilifika mpaka inanikazia wakati wa graduation. Inafika mpaka unakata tamaa kwa sababu maisha imekuwa ngumu” (There comes a point where you lose hope. Especially when I was at the University of Eldoret, things became so difficult to the extent that it stressed me even during graduation. Life has become extremely tough), he added, reflecting the frustration experienced by numerous graduates facing similar challenges.
As of 2020, Ernest depended on his modest guard salary not only to sustain himself but also to support his younger siblings.
