Higher learning institutions have been challenged to step up linkages between the job market and academia so as to impart relevant knowledge and skills to students.
University students and industry players maintained that collaboration between the institutions and the private sector is the key to opening opportunities to students.
They spoke at the week-long Career Fair held at Zetech University in Ruiru, Kiambu county. where students from various universities, colleges and secondary schools converged with an aim of preparing students for the competitive job market.
The event provided a platform for students to interact freely with entrepreneurs, professionals, and educators, gaining valuable insights and securing opportunities for internships, attachments, and specialized training.
Led by Kelvin Ng’ang’a, a student and innovator at Zetech, they underscored the need for stronger collaboration between universities and industry stakeholders to better equip students for life after graduation.
“The linkages are imperative since they provide students with requisite exposure and hands-on skills required to fit in the competitive global job market,” Ng’ang’a said.
He noted that budding innovators in Universities require the linkages with the industry to enable them advance and commercialize their projects noting that Kenyan students have diverse innovations that if well nurtured can address a myriad of challenges facing the country and communities.
“Our Universities and colleges have innovative students whose innovations can offer a solution to many problems bedeviling the society. All we need is support and nurturing from industry players. This will also go a long way to ensure that students monetize and benefit from their innovations,” Ng’ang’a said.
Wambui Macharia, Manager of People and Talent Development, PFK Kenya emphasized the importance of partnerships between universities and entrepreneurs to ensure that students are career-ready.
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She highlighted how such collaborations can sharpen students’ skills and prepare them to navigate a job market facing high levels of unemployment.
“The country is facing an unemployment crisis and those most affected are the youth. The private sector has enough capacity and actually offers numerous job opportunities. All that is required is linking top talents from our universities with the entrepreneurs in the sector,” she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Sophia Kihanda of Paleo Hotels who noted how the career fair provided students with a direct platform to inquire about internships and attachments without the usual struggles.
She pointed out that the hospitality industry, often associated with food services, has a significant IT component that many students may overlook.
Faith Wanjiku, Manager at ODOO Africa, highlighted their educational programs designed to help students apply classroom learning to real-world problems, calling such initiatives the “best gift” to students.
“The industry is ready to walk with the students through the tough journey in the job world. This is why we are calling for more partnerships between our institutions and the industry,” Wanjiku said.
Meanwhile, the university’s Dean of the School of Education, Arts, and Social Sciences, Prof. Owen Ngumi, expressed concern about the growing trend of students seeking opportunities abroad immediately after graduation.
He encouraged students to develop a sense of patriotism and explore opportunities within the country.
Prof. Ngumi also announced the launch of three new Computer Science programmes at the university, aligning with the demand for tech-savvy professionals in today’s job market.
By Kamau Njoroge
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