Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has told universities in Kenya to change their courses to match what the job market needs. He spoke on December 18, 2025, at Kaimosi Friends University in Vihiga County. Ogamba said if schools keep offering programmes with no demand, they will continue producing graduates who can’t find work.
He pointed out problems with how universities run things now. Many roll out degrees that industries do not want. Ogamba stressed the need to connect education with real jobs. “We have reached a stage where universities are rolling out programmes and issuing qualifications that have no demand in the industry or the market. We must link our programmes to industry,” he said.
One big example he gave is teaching courses. About 40 per cent of university students pick education programmes. But the country only needs around 35,000 new teachers each year. Last year, over 100,000 students joined teacher training. That leaves thousands without jobs, even after the government hired 100,000 teachers in recent years.
Ogamba advised schools to spread out their offerings. He suggested more focus on areas with shortages, like agriculture. Students should think about fields that are not overcrowded. This way, the workforce can balance better.
At the same event, Ogamba swore in new council members for Kaimosi Friends University. The new chairperson, Stanley Khainga, promised to improve standards there. The university sits in a rural part of Vihiga and serves many local students.
Graduate unemployment remains a tough issue in Kenya. Thousands finish school every year but struggle to get jobs. The economy does not create enough positions, especially formal ones. Many graduates end up in small informal work or stay unemployed.
Part of the problem comes from too much focus on theory in class. Employers want practical skills. Graduates often lack hands-on experience or internships. Links between universities and companies stay weak. Courses do not always match what businesses need right now.
Experts say fixes include updating curricula, more partnerships with industry, and better internship programmes. Guidance for students on career choices could help too. Flooding popular fields like education makes things worse.
Ogamba’s words come as the government pushes for changes in higher education. They want skills that solve national problems, like in farming or tech. Young people face high competition for few spots.
Many parents and students worry about this. Degrees cost money and time but do not always lead to steady pay. Some graduates take odd jobs or go back for more training.
Universities now face pressure to adjust. Some might cut spots in oversubscribed programmes. Others could add new ones in growing sectors. The ministry plans to watch how schools respond.
This talk highlights ongoing debates about education and jobs in Kenya. With many young people entering the market, matching training to opportunities matters a lot. Changes take time, but leaders say they are needed soon.
Families hope for better outcomes in coming years. For now, the warning from the CS puts the issue front and centre again.
