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European Journal of Social Sciences Studies

ISSN: 2501-8590
ISSN-L: 2501-8590
Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/soc

doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1312306 Volume 3 │ Issue 1 │ 2018

A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT

AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

Salah Abdirahman Farah1i,

Hussein Abdi Ali2
1Lecturer Garissa Teachers College,
Part-time lecturer Umma University, Kenya
2Lecturer Umma University, Kenya

Abstract:
Unemployment is a major problem in Kenya. It has made many young university
graduates demoralized. Unemployment rate has risen so high that in every 10 young
people, close to 4 are jobless with requisite qualifications. Successive governments have
done little to arrest the situation. This research was done to understand the causes of
unemployment in Kenya and the solutions that can be put in place to mitigate the
problem. The effects of unemployment and the relationship between creation of
opportunities and the growth of economy. The research found out that unemployment
in Kenya is very high. This shows lack of confidence they have the system in place. The
main effects of unemployment are crime, corruption, nepotism and favourism, high
dependency and drug abuse. Being a job creator rather than a job seeker is the major
solution of unemployment in Kenya. The research also found out that aligning the
education curriculum in line with the demand of the market is paramount and should
be hastened. In conclusion, unemployment has caused a lot of problems in Kenya. The
research recommended a raft of measures to reduce the issue of unemployment in the
country. Encourage the youth to be job creators and not job seekers only. Universities
should play an important role in this case. Universities should develop courses that are
relevant and demand driven. Duplication of courses with fewer demands should be
minimized as this will flood graduates with similar courses that are not needed at all.
Technical education should be enhanced and proper mechanisms put in place to
sponsor and encourage students to take up these courses. Strict regulations should be
enacted to fight corruption, nepotism and favourism. Kenya needs a practical and
proactive solution for this monster.

Keywords: unemployment, job creator, corruption, high dependency, course

duplication

Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved.

© 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 182
 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

1. Introduction

Unemployment in Kenya has become a headache both for those in leadership and those
seeking various opportunities. In as much as successive governments have tried to
mitigate the already alarming situation, labour supply has been on the rise in relation to
its demand. This has created a huge backlog. The major effects are felt by the youth who
seek to get return for their investment in education. Though there are conflicting reports
of Unemployment rate in Kenya, however, there is no doubt the rate is high if reports
by various stakeholders is anything to go by.
Kenya recorded 39.1 percent unemployment rate according to recent report by
United Nations; Human Development Index (HDI) 2017. It also shows that Kenya has
the highest unemployment rate in East Africa.
Kenya has a long record of implementing employment policies. Over 40 years
ago, for example, the 1970–74 Development Plan (Republic of Kenya, 1969) featured
employment and unemployment as important policy matters. Recently, The Sector Plan
for Labour, Youth and Human Resource Development Sector (2008–2012) looked into
unemployment as a big issue. There has been considerable continuity, since 10 of the 17
policy areas have been a constant in the menu throughout the entire period.
The causes of unemployment could be many and could also be averted.
Therefore, A research on the causes of unemployment among university graduates in Kenya: a
case study of Garissa CountyȄ was conducted to understand what are the real causes of
these unemployment among the deserving youth.
The research was conducted in Garissa county of Kenya. The county has the face
of Kenya as most communities are represented. It has various institutions of high
learning including Garissa University, Umma University and raft of middle level
colleges. A well prepared questionnaire was presented to the respondents which were
kept confidential. 75 respondents were engaged. Gender, level of education, age,
position in society and other pertinent factors were considered in distributing the
questionnaires. This was done to create high reliability rate and give a clear picture of
the research objectives.

2. Literature Review

Employment creation policies in Kenya have been seen as greater factor for economic
growth and development (ILO, 1995; Republic of Kenya, 1964). The underlying
parameter, in this case, has been that faster economic growth would lead to
employment creation and that income generation through employment would lead to
improvement in the standards of living and eradication of poverty. Unemployment on
the other hand affects the economic growth of any country, including Kenya. This is
because unemployment of the people especially the youth.
The term unemployment has been defined by different scholars in different
ways.

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

According to Karl Pribam (1946), unemployment is when the supply of labor

power is more than the number of available openings. In this regard, unemployment is
realized when the market has excess supply of the required labor power. Karl says that
to create market equilibrium, labor supply should match with the labor demand. If
either of them is more, the market loses its equilibrium.
Madan’s (1965) defined unemployment is the absence of opportunities of jobs for
people willing to and actively looking for a job . The definition is based on the supply-
demand phenomenon. He argues that this grossly ignores the aspect of value in
employment. In as much as market equilibrium is emphasized, the labour value should
be emphasized on.
Fairchild (1978) in his research acknowledges the importance of the value in
employment. He says unemployment is enforced and involuntary separation from
remunerative work on the part of the normal working force during normal time, at
normal wages and under normal conditions.
Beverigde (1931) supported the findings of Fairchild. He stated that when
unemployment is like a headache or a high temperature which he says is unpleasant. This
is philosophical claim that makes unemployment felt. The heat, he says, is felt
economically through exhaustion of the country’s economy.
S.A Farah, Hussein A. Ali, (2018) on their research A study on the perception of
business students on the future job marketȄ observes that employers’ quality perception on
university graduates in Kenya today is low. A research done in Garissa, Kenya and
published on international journal of scientific Research and Management (IJSRM) finds that
one major factor of unemployment in Kenya is the lack creation of opportunities that
can absorb the high number of graduates. Tribalism, nepotism and favourism were also
major factors that have locked many deserving young Kenyans seeking jobs. The study
concludes that the government should step in to avert the problem.

2. Methodology

2.1 Sampling
Sampling, which is an important aspect of data collection, is a statistical practice
concerned with the selection of subset of individual observation from a given universe
with the view of drawing conclusions. In this study a sample of 75 respondents were
interviewed.

2.2 Sources of Data Collection

 Primary sources: Primary data was collected by administering structured and
relevant questionnaire to the sample population.
 Secondary sources: Secondary was studied from relevant information available
at the company in the form of past records, company website and booklets,
newspapers, articles and journals.

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

2.3 Tools and Techniques for data Collection

The information was obtained through observation, administering of the structured
questionnaire and interviews with the selected sample population. Data available in
various reports, articles, books, periodicals was also be used.

2.4 Plan of Analysis

The data collected was analyzed and interpreted by using various statistical tools. It
was tabulated against the number of respondents and percentages favoring them. Bar
and pie charts was used to present and interpretation was deduced. Wrong inferences
like incomplete and dishonest answers were eliminated.

3. Findings and Discussion

A. How do you rate the unemployment level in Kenya?

Table 1
Responses Frequency Percentage
Very high 46 61
High 20 27
Average 5 7
Low 3 4
Very low 1 1
Total 75 100.0

Analysis
When respondents were asked about how do you rate unemployment level in Kenya?
61% of them of them rated to be very high, 27% said the rate is high. Cumulatively,
close to 90% of all the respondents rated the level of unemployment to be either high or
very high. Only 1% rated the level of unemployment to be very low while 4% said its
low.

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

27%
61%

Graph 1

Interpretation
Unemployment in Kenya is very high according to the research. 9 out of 10 Kenyans
rate unemployment to be an alarming state. This shows the lack of confidence they have
in the system in place. Very few Kenyans, about 5%, say that unemployment is low.
Relatively this is insignificant. To improve and bring confidence among Kenyans,
strong systems should be put in place by the government and other stakeholders to
create employment opportunities.

B. In your opinion what leads to unemployment in Kenya?

Table 2
Responses Frequency Percentage
High population growth rate 2 3
Use of inappropriate technology 2 3
Global economic recession 1 1
Inappropriate education system 11 14
Corruption 50 67
Seasonal demand of labor 9 12
Total 75 100.0

Analysis
More than two-thirds of the respondents said that corruption is the major cause of
unemployment in Kenya. Another 14 percent say inappropriate education system is the
major reason for unemployment while 12 percent put the blame on seasonal demand of
labor. Use of inappropriate technology and high population growth tied at 3 percent.

European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 1 │ 2018 186

 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

high population
growth
inappropriate
technology
global economic
recession
inappropriate
education system
corruption
seasonal demand
of labour
67%

Graph 2

Interpretation
Corruption is the major cause of unemployment in Kenya. Corruption has become a
cancer in the body of Kenya. It has neutralized and reformatted It has denied young
and deserving Kenyans opportunities. If this is solved, Kenyans will regain trust on the
systems and structures in place. The education system is also to blame on the woes of
young Kenyans. It should respond to the market needs so that university graduates stay
relevant and hence get placements.

C. What do you think could be the main effect of unemployment in Kenya?

Table 3
Responses Frequency Percentage
Leads to high dependency 9 12
Crimes 33 44
Drug abuse 5 7
Corruption, nepotism and favourism 24 32
Inflation 4 5
Total 75 100.0

Analysis
When the above question was posed to the respondents, 44 percent of them said the
main effect of unemployment is crime, while corruption, nepotism and favourism

European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 1 │ 2018 187

 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

attracted 32 percent of the respondents. 12 percent said it will lead to high dependency,
drug abuse and inflation had 7 percent and 5 percent of the respondents.

D. What do you think could be the main effect of unemployment in Kenya?

5% 12%

32%
Leads to high dependency
Crimes
Drug abuse
44%
Corruption
7%
Inflation

Graph 3

Interpretation
According to this research, high levels of unemployment among the youth leads to
crimes. This is because it makes many of our youth idle. These crimes could include
petty or even hardcore crimes. As corruption begets corruption, high level of
unemployment leads to corruption. This can kill the fabric of any society. Cumulatively,
crimes and corruption (76%) are the two major results of unemployment in Kenya
today.

E. Does economic growth of a country leads to availability of job opportunities?

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 69 92
No 5 7
Don’t know 1 1
Total 75 100.0

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

Analysis
When ȃDoes economic growth of a country leads to availability of job opportunities?Ȅ was
posed to the respondents, 92 percent of the respondents were affirmative, 7 percent of
them said it won’t have any effect while a meagre 1 percent did not know about it.

5. Does economic growth of a country leads to availability of job opportunities?

7%1%

Yes
No
Don’t know

92 %

Graph 5

Interpretation
Economic growth of a country leads to job opportunities. Low unemployment rat is a
strong indicator of a growing economy. When the economy expands, the youth will
benefit out of job opportunities and the result is improved standards of living.

F. What is the major solution of unemployment in Kenya?

Table 5
Responses Frequency Percentage
Aligning the education system in line with the demand of the market 11 15
Use of appropriate technology 9 12
Strengthening the economy 12 16
Be a job creator rather than a job seeker 28 37
Strengthening a technical education 4 5
Fighting corruption, nepotism and favourism 11 15
Total 75 100.0

European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 1 │ 2018 189

 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

Analysis
Being a job creator rather than a job seeker is the major solution of unemployment in
Kenya. Aligning the education in line with the demand of the market, strengthening the
economy attracted 15 percent and 16 percent respondents, while 15 percent and 12
percent said we have to fight corruption, nepotism and favourism and use of proper
and relevant technology.

5. What is the major solution of unemployment in Kenya?

15 % 15 % Aligning education in line with the

5% demand
12 %
Use of appropriate technology

16 % Strengthening the economy

37 %

Be a job creator rather than job

seeker

Strengthening technical education

Fighting corruption, nepotism and

favourism

Graph 5

Interpretation
The best and most effective way to solve the perennial unemployment is self-
employment. Many of our youths seek white color jobs. This has become a nightmare
for many. Fighting Corruption, nepotism, tribalism and favourism should also be
enhanced in order for the deserving people to get employment without looking at their
ethnic background. The government should also reconstruct the current education
system to make sure it answers the call of the market. Static education has ruined lives
of many graduates in Kenya.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation

4.1 Conclusion
Unemployment in Africa in general and Kenya in particular has become a thorn in a
flesh. University graduates have become demoralized due to high unemployment
levels. They are investing heavily in education yet securing gainful employment has
become an uphill task. The government and other stakeholders are supposed to put

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

practical solution on the table. Institutions of higher learning should work out a flexible
and more marketable courses so that graduates are absorbed in to the dynamic market.
Causes of unemployment including corruption, nepotism and favourism should be
discouraged and proper mechanisms put in place. Knee-jerk reactions won’t help in
solving a problem of such magnitude. If lasting solution is not found on these issues,
the problem of unemployment in Kenya will never be won.

4.2 Recommendation
Unemployment has caused a lot of problems in Kenya, including young people
committing suicide. The research found out that the issue of unemployment can be at
least solved or at worst reduced if the following recommendations are followed.
1. Encourage the youth to be job creators and not job seekers only. Universities
should play an important role in this case.
2. Universities should develop courses that are relevant and demand driven.
Duplication of courses with less demands should be minimized as this will flood
graduates with similar courses that are not needed at all.
3. Technical education should be enhanced and proper mechanisms put in place to
sponsor and encourage students to take up these courses.
4. Patriotism, ethics and citizenship should be encouraged. Strict regulations
should be enacted to fight corruption, nepotism and favourism.

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

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 Salah Abdirahman Farah, Hussein Abdi Ali
A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN KENYA:
A CASE OF GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

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