Career Alignment Crisis: 66% Feel Misaligned, Says CDAK Research
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, a lack of adequate and professional career advising has been recognized as a significant issue contributing to Kenya’s low transition rates of secondary school pupils to higher education institutions.
According to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the transition rate of secondary school graduates (2022 cohort) to vocational training, technical institutions, or universities was only 32% during the 2023/2024 placement cycle.
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In a speech read by Meshack Opwora, the Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), it was highlighted that the Economic Survey indicated a transition rate of only 30 percent from secondary to post-secondary education over the last few years, leaving a substantial 70 percent unaccounted for.
Machogu referenced the conclusions of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, which found inadequate career guidance mechanisms in schools.
“The low transition rates to vocational training, technical institutions, and universities have exacerbated youth unemployment in the country, currently standing at 67 per cent compared to the national unemployment rate of 12.7 per cent,” he said.
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The minister emphasized the country’s job crisis, stating that young account for 12% of the unemployed despite being the most productive generation.
According to CDAK research on career alignment, 66% of respondents felt they are in the incorrect career.
Machogu stated that professional career guidance would aid learners in all stages of transition within CBC, from Junior school, Senior school, Colleges, TVETs, Universities, up to the world of work, and into tertiary education.
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Career Alignment Crisis: 66% Feel Misaligned, Says CDAK Research