- Putting on a graduation regalia is always a great dream for most campus students if not all. No matter the institution, their goal is always one. They are always looking forward to putting on that graduation gown during the joyous occasion to mark the completion of a critical chapter of their lives. At this point, most of the graduates are filled with joy, and it tends to clear the fact that after the graduation ceremony, there is still a long new journey waiting for them, and the journey is not easy.
Putting on graduation regalia is a cherished dream for most university students, if not all. Regardless of their institution, their ultimate goal is the same: to don that graduation gown during a joyous ceremony marking the completion of a significant chapter in their lives. In that moment, graduates are filled with elation, yet this joy often masks the reality that a challenging new journey lies ahead.
As the graduation ceremony concludes, reality sets in, and their worst fears materialize. Questions like "What comes next?" and "What will my future hold?" flood their minds, leading to restless nights as they grapple with the uncertainty of life after graduation.
Despite their hard-earned degrees and good grades, many graduates are haunted by the fear of unemployment. They worry about securing jobs that do not match their qualifications and the looming threat of financial instability. The daunting prospect of a prolonged job search weighs heavily on them, especially in a country where the number of graduates far exceeds available job openings.
For many, securing employment often hinges on connections—something that recent graduates typically lack. As a result, some may choose to create their own opportunities by starting small businesses, though this path is fraught with challenges, including a lack of capital. Unfortunately, this can lead to a cycle of joblessness and financial despair.
The pressure on graduates is compounded by expectations from family, society, and even the government, which often places the burden of financial support and tax contributions squarely on their shoulders. This immense pressure can drive some individuals toward illegal activities as they struggle to make ends meet.
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The fear of unemployment and the anxiety surrounding the job search have become pervasive concerns for many Kenyan university students. As they approach graduation, they can't help but wonder what their futures hold and how they will navigate the uncertain path ahead.