Ernest Maiki Abraham, a Bachelor of Science (Statistics) graduate from the University of Eldoret, found himself back at RCEA Kuinet Secondary School, the very institution he had left behind in 2011 after excelling in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations with a remarkable B+.
However, life had dealt him an unexpected hand, leading him to become a guard at the school’s main entrance.
After relentless attempts to secure a white-collar job in his field of study, Ernest decided to take on the role of a school guard, a position he had never imagined himself in.
In a candid interview with KTN, he expressed his initial disbelief at the turn his life had taken.
“Sikutarajia kama naeza kuwa hapa hata siku moja, hata vile nimejaribu nikakosa nikasema ai wacha niishie tu kwenye nitaishia kwa sababu nimejaribu nikajaribu na nguvu zote sijafaulu” (I never expected I could end up here even for a day. Even though I tried, I failed. I decided to settle for this because I gave it my all and still couldn’t make it).
Ernest’s struggle highlights the harsh reality faced by many young graduates in Kenya. Despite his best efforts, he found himself unable to secure employment in his chosen field.
Filled with determination, he had sent out countless job applications to esteemed employers, ranging from tech companies to multinational corporations and supermarkets.
“Inafika mahali unakata tamaa, kwanza nikiwa University of Eldoret vitu mingi ilifika mpaka inanikazia wakati wa graduation. Inafika mpaka unakata tamaa kwa sababu maisha imekuwa ngumu” (There comes a point where you lose hope. Especially when I was at the University of Eldoret, things became so difficult to the extent that it stressed me even during graduation. Life has become extremely tough), he added, his words echoing the frustration of countless graduates struggling in similar situations.
As of 2020, Ernest relied on his modest guard salary not just to sustain himself but also to support his younger siblings.
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