The University of Nairobi and Strathmore University graduates have an edge over other students from other institutions of higher learning, according to a survey released today by HR Company Corporate Staffing Services.
84 percent of employers who had a preference when hiring said graduates from the University of Nairobi have an advantage when recruiting entry level jobs. Strathmore graduates topped the private university category with 78 percent of the respondents indicating SU students are preferable.
“The main reasons why the respondents prefer graduates from the selected public universities is technical expertise and knowledge of industry displayed by both the staff and students from these universities (24 percent) the quality of learning and credibility of university (19 percent), the long-standing and reputation of the university and relevance of the courses offered to the employers business (11 percent),” said Perminus Wainana, Managing Director, Corporate Staffing Services.
In the public universities category, employers preferred JKUAT graduates after UoN, followed by Kenyatta University graduates, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University and Masinde Muliro University.
The 205 employers in 17 sectors surveyed said technical expertise and knowledge of industry tipped it for the top public universities while reputation of the university, specialization and industry involvement i.e incubation and mentorship programs are the main consideration for employers when recruiting from private universities.
Reasons for Preferring Graduates From Selected Universities
Daystar was the second most preferred private university followed by Catholic University, USIU, KEMU, MKU, University of Baraton and Africa Nazarene University.
“Universities should work towards enhancing the credibility of their certifications. This is possible through offering quality course work, having proper infrastructure, qualified lecturers and market driven courses, so as to produce quality graduates and gain employers trust,” according to the study titled: Talent Report – Trends, Challenges & Future Outlook, quarter one .
According to the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), only half of the more than 50,000 students who graduate annually are suitable for employment.
The study urges job seekers to search for jobs that develop their skills in their areas of specialization, as well as acquire leadership skills.
