Zetech University celebrated its 8th graduation ceremony, awarding degrees to 2,566 students across various disciplines.
The event was held at Mang’u Campus Juja in Kiambu County.
This comes amid increasing concerns over the challenging job market in Kenya, prompting the university to prioritize the development of market-driven programs aimed at enhancing the employability of its graduates.
By aligning its curriculum with industry needs, Zetech is working to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the current economic landscape and secure sustainable livelihoods.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene encouraged the graduates to step into the future with confidence and actively contribute to nation-building efforts.
He highlighted that the innovative skills acquired during their time at Zetech would empower them to explore self-employment opportunities, thereby reducing their reliance on traditional job markets.
According to Prof. Munene, the university’s focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets is a critical strategy in tackling the challenges of youth unemployment, which remains a pressing issue in the country.
Prof. Munene also took the opportunity to showcase Zetech University’s ongoing infrastructural developments. These include new sports facilities and student hostels, which aim to accommodate the institution’s expanding student population.
Additionally, he announced that the university plans to introduce new programs, such as nursing, in the coming year to address the demands of the healthcare sector and other high-growth industries. These initiatives reflect Zetech’s commitment to staying ahead of market trends and ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market.
John Mwai, the Director for Corporate Affairs and Marketing, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Zetech’s leadership in innovation and research despite the economic challenges facing higher education institutions.
This year’s graduation theme, centered on combating climate change through green skills, underscored the university’s dedication to sustainable development.
Mwai urged graduates to leverage these skills to adapt to a rapidly changing world and make meaningful contributions toward environmental preservation and economic resilience.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, some graduates expressed concerns about their future prospects. Enocentus Wambua, one of the graduates, spoke candidly about the anxiety surrounding job security in Kenya’s tight labor market.
He called upon the government to create better employment opportunities for the country’s youth, noting that many graduates are left uncertain about their next steps.
Wambua’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among new graduates who face stiff competition in the search for stable jobs.
Conversely, Wisdom Njoroge, another graduate, shared a more optimistic outlook, attributing his current job to the strong industry partnerships fostered by Zetech University.
He credited the institution’s focus on practical experience and industry linkages for helping him secure employment before graduation.
Njoroge’s story highlights the potential of well-structured academic programs that incorporate real-world experience, showcasing Zetech’s efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry to improve graduate employability.
