Controversial Kenyan content creator and self-proclaimed “truth ambassador,” Andrew Kibe, is back in the headlines—this time with hot advice that’s got university students and lecturers alike clutching their transcripts.
In a viral video that lit up Kenyan social media like a Jamhuri Day fireworks display, Kibe boldly declared that most university courses are a waste of time.
“If you are in university, defer and start a business! What are you doing in school? Unless you’re studying to be a doctor or an engineer, all the other courses are useless,” said Kibe, with the confidence of a man who just discovered Bitcoin in 2012.
As expected, the internet exploded. On one side were diehard hustlers cheering him on with 🔥 emojis and shouting “preach!”, while on the other were furious scholars who nearly choked on their research papers.
Kibe, who is no stranger to controversy, doubled down on his statements, saying the current education system is “mass-producing unemployed graduates with no real-world skills.”
“You’re in campus doing Bachelor of… what? Sociology? Bro, come out here and sell tomatoes. Hustle. Life is happening while you’re stuck in lectures learning theory you’ll never use,” he added, sipping what looked suspiciously like strong tea for dramatic effect.
While some dismissed his remarks as yet another “Kibism” made for clicks, others say he might just have a point in a country where thousands graduate annually only to end up jobless or underemployed.
“I studied Tourism, and now I’m selling secondhand clothes in Gikomba. Honestly, Kibe is not lying,” commented one user on X (formerly Twitter).
University officials, meanwhile, issued collective sighs and reminded students that education still remains “a critical pillar of national development” and that deferring studies to chase online fame might not be the safest bet.
Still, Kibe’s comments have reignited the age-old debate: Do Kenyan universities prepare students for the real world, or are they just glorified holding cells for unemployed youth?
Understanding Kenya’s Job Market
Kenya’s job market is evolving, influenced by factors like technological advancements, globalization, and emerging industries. The marketability of courses is deeply intertwined with these shifts, affecting employment prospects.
List of Top Marketable Courses in Kenya
Technology and IT-related Courses
1. Computer Science and Information Technology:
- Description: The information technology field encompasses a broad range of subjects including programming, software development, networking, and data analysis.
- Market Demand: With the rapid digitization of industries, professionals skilled in computer science and IT are in high demand across various sectors.
2. Software Engineering:
- Description: Focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. It involves programming, software testing, and project management.
- Market Demand: The tech industry, including software development firms and IT companies, seeks skilled software engineers to create innovative solutions.
3. Cybersecurity:
- Description: Involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. It encompasses ethical hacking, network security, and risk management.
- Market Demand: With increasing cyber threats, businesses and organizations require cybersecurity experts to safeguard sensitive information.
Healthcare and Medicine
1. Medicine and Surgery:
- Description: A comprehensive study of medical sciences leading to a degree in medicine. Involves diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
- Market Demand: Growing healthcare needs result in a constant demand for qualified medical practitioners in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
2. Nursing and Health Sciences:
- Description: Focuses on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Nursing programs include practical training in healthcare settings.
- Market Demand: Nurses and health professionals are crucial in providing primary healthcare services and support in medical institutions.
3. Pharmaceutical Sciences:
- Description: Involves the study of drug composition, development, and usage. It includes pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and drug regulation.
- Market Demand: Pharmaceutical experts are essential in the healthcare industry for research, development, and regulation of medications.
Business and Management
1. Business Administration:
- Description: Covers various aspects of business management, including finance, marketing, operations, and organizational behavior.
- Market Demand: Employers seek graduates with business administration skills for management positions in diverse industries.
2. Finance and Accounting:
- Description: Focuses on financial management, accounting principles, auditing, and financial analysis.
- Market Demand: Finance and accounting professionals are essential in businesses, banks, and financial institutions for managing finances and ensuring compliance.
3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
- Description: Encourages creativity and the development of entrepreneurial skills to initiate, manage, and grow successful businesses.
- Market Demand: With a growing emphasis on innovation and startups, entrepreneurship skills are highly valued.
Engineering and Construction
1. Civil Engineering:
- Description: Involves the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Market Demand: Infrastructure development projects and urbanization drive the demand for skilled civil engineers.
2. Mechanical Engineering:
- Description: Focuses on machinery, manufacturing processes, and energy systems. It includes design, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- Market Demand: Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy seek mechanical engineers for their expertise.
3. Architecture:
- Description: Involves the design and planning of buildings and structures, emphasizing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
- Market Demand: Architects are in demand for designing residential, commercial, and public spaces, especially with urban development projects.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
1. Agricultural Economics:
- Description: Focuses on the economics of agriculture, including production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods and resources.
- Market Demand: With Kenya’s reliance on agriculture, agricultural economists play a crucial role in policy-making and farm management.
2. Agronomy and Crop Science:
- Description: Studies crop production, soil management, and plant genetics to improve agricultural productivity.
- Market Demand: Agronomists contribute to enhancing crop yields and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
3. Agribusiness Management:
- Description: Combines business management principles with the agriculture industry, covering marketing, finance, and supply chain management in agriculture.
- Market Demand: Managing agribusinesses efficiently is crucial for the agricultural sector’s growth and profitability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the landscape of Marketable Courses in Kenya unveils a spectrum of opportunities aligning passion with industry demands.
While the outlined fields like technology, healthcare, business, and engineering stand as pillars of growth, it’s essential to acknowledge the significance of other domains such as catering and hospitality.
