Hundreds of youths turned up at the County Government of Kiambu grounds during the Kiambu Employability Summit 2026, expressing both hope and frustration over the state of employment opportunities in the country.
The Summit brought together students, graduates, entrepreneurs and leaders, with many young people showcasing their businesses and skills while calling on the government and private sectors to create more opportunities for the youth.
Several youths who attended the event said despite acquiring qualifications in different professional fields such as engineering, architecture and nursing, securing employment remains a major challenge.
Wanjiru Kamau, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, said many graduates are over-certified but lack the practical exposure required by employers.
“We have gone through school and acquired certificates and diplomas but there are no jobs. When you look for jobs, they require two to five years of experience and as someone who has just completed school, where do you get that experience?” she said.
Responding to the concerns, Ms Rebecca Kiai, a Member of the County Assembly in Kiambu County and lecturer at St Paul’s University, acknowledged the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
“When you go to school, you gain theory and skills, but sometimes what is taught is not as practical as the industry expects,” she said.
Rebecca Kiai urged youths to embrace internships, volunteering opportunities and short technical courses to improve their employability, noting that some organisations eventually absorb volunteers into permanent positions.
She also encouraged youths to enrol in vocational training centres and online programmes offering technical and digital skills.
Dr Hannah Mugure from Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute said the Institution was focused on transforming communities into job creators rather than job seekers.
An emotional moment during the Summit emerged when an engineering graduate, Charles Chege, narrated his struggles after failing to secure employment due to a Sh7,000 school fee balance that prevented him from obtaining his certificate.
“I finished school, but because of the fee balance I was unable to get my certificate. I have been searching for jobs, but I have not secured any opportunity,” he said. Charles Chege later received Sh7,000 from Osman Korar, the County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, to clear the balance and collect his certificate.
The youths commended the County government for creating a platform where they could express their concerns and showcase their talents and skills.
However, many youths said that while they possess the necessary skills and capabilities, they require financial support, capital and more employment opportunities to utilise their potential fully.
by Elizabeth Nyamotai
