Youth unemployment is a matter Kenya’s millennials face daily.
According to the World Bank, “Young people are more likely to work longer hours under insecure work arrangements, characterized by low productivity and meager earnings.”
Research has shown that “Kenya’s vision 2030 sets an ambitious target to become a middle-income country by 2030. This goal not only requires uninterrupted growth of 10% per year but will also demands citizens with globally-competitive skills.” The World Bank highlights the labor markets dimension as an important consideration for the career growth of Africa’s youth. “The rate at which young people find jobs depends on how prepared the labor market is to receive them, and how ready they are for the labor market. ” As the government seeks to increase the skill-set of its workforce, new ideas could be integrated by hiring a younger workforce. With an alarming unemployment rate, absorption into government positions offers Kenya’s youth opportunities that could propel them as individuals and the Kenyan society as a whole.
So how does the Kenyan youth secure themselves a good job within the ever-changing job market? It might be time to consider a job within the Government. Here are 5 reasons why millennials should consider a career in the government:
1.Job Security
In an era when retrenchments are common in the private sector, a job in the government offers unparalleled security. A recent graduate from the university might start out as an intern and raise up the ranks with time. With a broad array of experiences, a job within the government’s public sector could not only improve one’s exposure to interesting aspects of one’s career but would also put one’s skill set to good use.
2.Work-Life Balance
It is often said that jobs within the private sector are high-pressure. With tight deadlines and difficult working environments, the private sector is known for its high-stress work. For a young professional looking to nature their career without having to sacrifice their peace of mind, a career in the government offers the best of both worlds.
3. Work Benefits and Perks
Work in the civil service has a broad range of benefits. With a career in the government, pension and retirement benefits are among the key motivating factors that make working within the government worth your while. As a recent graduate it is important to consider your retirement, and raking up all the benefits even 20 years before retirement could help you accumulate quite the lump some when retirement comes knocking on your door.
Some attractive perks offered within civil service jobs include a medical cover for you and your family, mileage claim should your job involve a lot of travel. House allowances, travel allowances, commuter allowance, and annual leave allowance also make the pay package quite enticing for those in civil service.
4.Flexible Hours
Civil servants have well scheduled days, and often work from 8.30am to 5 pm. Long nights in the office to meet a deadline or working weekends are not the norm. For a young professional looking to enjoy their time with friends and family during their off-time, flexi-hours is a great perk to any job. As a recent graduate, your free time could be useful in establishing a side-hustle or even strengthening relationships.
5.Contribute To The Nation
The youth are often touted as the “leaders of tomorrow,” however with a job within the civil service, it could be the youth’s opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the Kenyan government. With various positions open to the youth with the attainment of the Big 4 Agenda, recent graduates could make strides in various fields including manufacturing, medical engineering, and even agricultural sector.
Did you graduate in the last 2 years with qualifications in ICT/Engineering, Research, Medicine, Law or Communication? 400 job openings are available. Apply here to be part of the Presidential Digital Talent Programme.