Once university graduates complete their respective courses, they always have high hopes that they will find employment, and life might be a little bit easier compared to their years of study.
However, that wasn’t the case for Stephen Riungu Mukindia, who, despite graduating with first-class honors in English literature at the Catholic University of East Africa, found life becoming even more challenging for him
Here is his story as told by Kenyan Report:
In 2014, Stephen Riungu Mukindia proudly graduated from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, armed with a degree in English and literature in English, achieving first-class honors.
Little did he know that the journey that lay ahead would be a series of uphill battles and challenges.
Despite his academic achievements, Stephen found himself facing the harsh reality of unemployment.
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) added to his woes by withholding a job opportunity, citing a bureaucratic tangle related to his prior enrollment in a diploma program at Tangaza College.
”TSC couldn’t provide me with the number after I applied, submitted my documents, and paid the fee. This was because I had been admitted for a diploma at Tangaza College with an aggregate of C- in KCSE.” Stephen expressed.
Life seemed to take an unfair turn as Stephen, who had legally pursued both a diploma and a bachelor’s degree, grappled with the intricacies of a system that failed to recognize his qualifications.
“I am wondering how life is unfair since I was legally admitted and completed my three-year diploma program before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in education where i graduated with First-Class Honors.”
Undeterred, Stephen embarked on a relentless quest for employment, navigating different territories in search of a stable job.
“I have been struggling up and down, even teaching in Tanzania. However, the working conditions weren’t favorable because of the requirement to pay for the work permit. This circumstance led me to work as a volunteer without pay,” he recalled.
Life’s challenges escalated, and Stephen, grappling with the harsh realities of existence, found himself in Uganda. There, he took up an unexpected occupation – selling local brew, waragi, often associated with Chang’aa, armed with a degree that seemed to offer little solace in the job market.
“I have made several attempts to apply for jobs, but I haven’t received any response. I am kindly requesting that if a good Samaritan comes across this, they can hire me for any work, even if it means menial work.” He pleaded.
