How Kenyan Graduates Are Redefining Employment

For years, graduation has been a symbol of achievement and the gateway to a bright career. However, for many recent graduates in Kenya, the traditional job market is proving to be more of a mirage than a reality. Faced with limited employment opportunities, a growing number of young people are turning to online platforms to earn a living.

A recent Citizen Digital report highlights how young graduates are leveraging digital spaces to sustain themselves. From TikTok to street photography, these individuals are redefining what employment means in the modern era.

In Kisii County, Ogetto Enock, a film studies graduate, found himself without job prospects despite his qualifications. Instead of waiting for a formal job, he turned to online hustles. "It’s tough. We’ve studied, but there are no jobs. We have to hustle online," he shared.

Similarly, Enock Kibet, an accounting graduate, has had to pivot from numbers to photography. “I studied accounting, but there are no jobs. Street photography is what keeps us going,” he explained.

This trend is not confined to Kisii. In Nairobi, digital platforms like TikTok have become a lifeline for many. Edwin Enock Otieno, a third-year JKUAT student, found success on TikTok, where his earnings sometimes surpass what he would make in a conventional full-time job. "I bought a camera and realized there’s a niche for me. 9-5 jobs are tough to find," he said, explaining how he creates videos and collaborates with dancers who pay for his content.

For many, platforms like TikTok are not just for entertainment—they’re sources of income. Mary Ann, a TikTok creator, survives on platform gifts and hopes to secure endorsements. Team Blaze Kenya, a dance group, has monetized TikTok gifts, converting them into cash. One of their members, King Jaydey, revealed that the highest amount he received from a follower was Ksh 94,000 on his birthday.

The rise of digital employment among Kenyan youth emphasizes a broader shift in the job market. Traditional employment structures are becoming less reliable, and young people are embracing digital skills to create their own income streams. Kenya's growing digital economy presents opportunities for young entrepreneurs to build sustainable livelihoods outside the traditional corporate environment. However, this shift also raises critical questions:

• How can institutions support youth in harnessing digital platforms for sustainable income?
• What policies can be put in place to regulate and protect digital workers?
• Can digital entrepreneurship be integrated into higher education curriculums?

Despite numerous promises and policies, the government has consistently failed to provide viable employment solutions for the youth. Graduates leave universities hopeful, only to face a reality of scarce opportunities, outdated job policies, and a lack of economic stimulus programs tailored to the digital age.

Rather than fostering an environment that supports young entrepreneurs, bureaucratic red tape, high taxation, and lack of financial incentives have made it difficult for youth-led startups to thrive. Moreover, government-funded job creation programs have largely fallen short, failing to match the scale of the unemployment crisis.

The disconnect between education and job market realities remains unaddressed. Universities continue to produce graduates without equipping them with practical, market-driven skills. While digital work presents a new frontier, the government has done little to create regulatory frameworks or provide financial support to help young innovators scale their online businesses.

To ensure young people can thrive in the digital economy, the government must play an active role. The government should consider providing financial support and grants by offering startup funds and incentives to help young digital entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Developing digital skills training programs is aslo a measure that the govrnment can take by incorporating digital literacy, content creation, and online business management into education curriculums. Creating policies for fair digital labor is as well key through ensuring online workers receive protections and fair pay, preventing exploitation on digital platforms.

The job market is changing—are we ready to change with it?