A significant number of students who complete their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams aspire to work in government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a new report has revealed.
The 2025 Africa Workforce Readiness Survey, conducted by the African Leadership University (ALU), found that 23 per cent of KCSE graduates expressed a strong interest in working for NGOs.
The report which sampled 8,000 students across Africa found that another 21 per cent of KCSE graduates would prefer employment in government or the public sector.
Despite the increasing importance of technology and innovation, only 6 per cent of respondents expressed interest in careers in technology and software development.
Similarly, only 4 per cent said they wanted to pursue engineering, while another 6 percent were drawn to banking and finance.
The survey also found that agriculture and horticulture—industries crucial to Kenya’s economy—attracted only 8 per cent of respondents.
Marketing and communication drew even fewer, with just 3 per cent showing interest. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector appealed to 6 per cent of those surveyed.
Shift in attitudes
The report also revealed a shift in attitudes toward studying abroad.
A majority—56 per cent—of KCSE graduates preferred to pursue their higher education within Africa rather than travel abroad.
Despite these aspirations, many graduates remain concerned about job opportunities, citing job shortages as their biggest challenge when entering the workforce.
While painting the picture, Mercy Wanjau, the Secretary to the Cabinet noted that unemployment is responsible for desperation of graduates as they scamper to find something to do.
“Young graduates face a harsh reality. They just cannot find a job. Some of these graduates seek alternative ways to survive, as they search for their dream jobs, often opting for migration. Many start small businesses in the MSME sector, but others find themselves lost, facing despair, and turning to drugs, alcohol, or even engaging in scams to survive,” Wanjau said.
She spoke during the launch of the report on Friday.
Additionally, beyond higher education choices, the report highlights the career aspirations of KCSE graduates.
Big mismatch
Despite their ambitions, job prospects remain a major concern for young people entering the workforce.
The report further shows that a further 33 per cent worried about lacking adequate work experience, reveals the challenges they anticipate in securing jobs after graduation.
Veda Sunasee, the chief executive officer ALU lamented on the mismatch between training and realities of the job market.
Sunasee argues there is a need to align higher education curriculum with realities of the current world.
“Higher Education should prepare them for the realities that await them, which is how they become productive citizens in society so they themselves can pursue economic prosperity. We need to align our curriculum with career aspirations as well,” Sunasee said.
The survey also gathered insights from employers, revealing a notable disconnect between what Form Four leavers prioritize and what hiring managers seek.