In the last couple of years, Kenya’s job market has undergone an important change, a silently realigning one that is reworking what youth anticipate from education and career decisions. When university diplomas were the success mantra some years back, today diploma courses are slowly dominating the spotlight. Employers now increasingly look to employ diploma holders, and the trend is practical and perceptive.
Amongst the most glaring reasons for the trend is the new face of the economy. Employers these days are not concerned with qualifications alone; they are looking for experiential skills that will offer an immediate return. Several diplomas are structured keeping this fact in view. They are more vocation-based, skill-based, and often aligned with real-world workplace requirements.
Disciplines such as electrical engineering, hospitality, ICT, medical laboratory technology, and automotive mechanics are performing well with diploma graduates who can perform without extensive orientation periods.
This change has also been fueled by rising rates of unemployment among university graduates. A walk through job centers and online job vacancies gives a dismal picture. There are thousands of university graduates who are unemployed, some for up to years.
To most employers, most degree programs are too theoretical and fail to equip students with relevant technical skills. Diploma courses, which are widely offered in TVET institutes and colleges, focus on competency-based practical skills, making their graduates more adaptable and job-oriented.
Affordability is another major factor. Diploma courses are generally cheaper and shorter compared to degree programs. For many families, this means less financial burden and a quicker entry into the job market. A student who starts a diploma right after high school may already be employed by the time their peers graduate from university. This early entry often translates into valuable work experience, an asset that employers appreciate.
Importantly, the government has also recognized the strategic value of technical and vocational training. TVET institutions across the country have received increased support, modern equipment, and closer collaboration with industries. The push to make Kenya a manufacturing and innovation hub has further increased the demand for technicians, artisans, and skilled service.
However, this does not mean that degrees have lost their value. Instead, it reflects a more balanced job market where practical skills matter just as much as or sometimes more than academic papers. As the economy evolves, many experts believe the diploma route could offer a more reliable path to employment for Kenya’s youth. The message is clear: skills are becoming the new currency of opportunity.
