Kenya is the envy of many countries due to her young, skilled and vibrant workforce. Compared to many African nations, Kenya’s labour force is undoubtedly the country’s main resource in terms of driving economic development and more importantly the attainment of Vision 2030.
According to the World Bank Investment Climate Assessment of 2008, labour productivity in Kenya is higher than average compared to that of her neighbours, something that makes the country rank high in global competitiveness. This, in fact, explains why many multinationals are choosing the country as the hub for their regional operations.
Yet, it is ironical for Kenya to boast of an energetic workforce that is largely under the age of 35 amidst constant complaints from employers that majority of graduates coming out of universities are a disappointment when they hit the job market. This state of affairs has contributed to high rates of unemployment, with many young people plunging into a life of disillusionment after leaving university. According to a survey by the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), only half of the more than 50,000 students who graduate annually are suitable for employment and of these graduates, more than half are not suited to their career choice. It means only three in 10 adults under the age of 34 have any job at all, translating to 70 per cent unemployment among the youth.
According to employers, universities are churning out half baked graduates and research has shown that only about a third of new graduates are fit for the job market. This explains why employers are not keen on employing graduates on the disguise of lack of experience and opt to engage in catfights for labour, with some companies going to an extreme extent to retain manpower while others seek to poach. Companies hiring fresh graduates have cited the high costs they incur in training them to meet the competence requirements for their jobs.
The problem of half baked graduates has been exacerbated by the mushrooming of institutions of higher education, majority of which pay lip service to quality training in pursuit of making money. The situation is particularly bad among graduates pursuing soft courses in humanities, liberal-arts and business programmes. In these fields, many graduates come out of universities unprepared to hit the job market because there happens to be a disconnect between the education curriculum and the workforce demands. Is this is a failure on the part of universities?
Gertrude Obwoge, the Head of Department at the School of Business at the Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University, admits the problem of half baked graduates cannot be wished away. While Universities should bear an extent of the blame, part of the problem is the urge by students to acquire papers for jobs or promotions. “There is a problem of half baked graduates but part of the problem is students who just want papers,” she says, adding that some institutions of higher learning are committed and are actually sending out well trained graduates. “Some institutions are doing a good job in training and employers are appreciating this fact by having a bias towards graduates of certain universities,” she notes.
PAC University is among the universities in the country that are determined to offer quality education not only to meet the demands of the job market but also develop holistic individuals who can make positive impacts in the society. Indisputably the premier leadership institution of higher learning in Kenya, PAC University is at the forefront in producing graduates who are transforming how business is conducted in the country and beyond. At the university, which has operated as a fully fledged university for six years, having been awarded a charter in 2008, the School of Business is an embodiment of its determination to train students who meet the requirements of the job market. “At PAC University we want to send out a ‘product’ that can make a difference in the market. We do not focus on churning out graduates. We want our students to impact society,” explains Obwoge.
The School of Business is among the first schools at the university and is also one of the fastest growing. Currently it has five programmes that include Diploma in Supplies Management, Bachelors of Commerce, Bachelors of Business Leadership, Bachelors of Business Information Technology, and Masters of Business Administration. With a total student population of less than 200, the school is among the smallest in the country. This however makes it possible for the school to develop quality students due to the high opportunity for student lecturer interaction and mentorship. Unlike in some schools of business where students overflow in lecture halls, at PAC University the learning environment is quite conducive. “We are dealing with small numbers. This makes it possible to mould a professional who can impact business and society,” notes Obwoge. She adds that the school trains and mentors students especially in the area of leadership to infuse the virtues of ethics, values and integrity. “We have a mission to transform how business is conducted in this country.”
To realise this mission, PAC University has made a conscious decision of structuring its business school in a fundamentally unique way. The training approach is very practical; also, being a Christian institution, the courses at the school are tailor-made to incorporate ethical principles in business management and organizational leadership. These are critical in ensuring the students meet the expectations of the job market and become instrumental in creating, developing, and managing successful ethical businesses. In line with the University’s core values, members of faculty are not only qualified in their various professional and teaching disciplines, they also meet required qualities to enable them play an effective mentorship role to the students. Regular reviews by the Quality Assurance Department ensure maintenance of high standards in terms of program content and delivery.
Having graduated three classes so far, the school has reasons to be proud of its alumnus who are making a difference in the job market. According to Obwoge, the feedback is nothing short of gratifying. “The market finds our graduates unique because they can lead and manage,” she states, adding that interns from the school easily get absorbed by companies because they ‘stand out’. “We train our students to remain true to principles and values.” This is something that Kenya is desperately in need of going by the monumental human-instigated problems the country continues to face.
The School of Business is central as the university implements a five-year strategic plan in pursuit of growth both in terms of programmes and student population. Obwoge understands the high expectations of the university on the department. “There are a lot of expectations on the department in driving growth for the University,” she says, adding the school is already implementing measures to ensure it plays it role accordingly. For starts, the School of Business is in the process of developing four new programmes that will be rolled out in September this year, and in January 2015. These are Diploma in Entrepreneurship (September 2014), Diploma in Leadership and Management (September 2014), Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management (January 2015), and, Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (BICT), also to be launched in January 2015. The programmes, which are a result of thorough market studies, are expected to contribute to growth as more students enrol for their studies in the new programmes. “We ensure consultations with industry players and experts in the development of our programmes.” she states.
The School of Business is getting into collaboration with external bodies. Among them include collaboration with the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) that will enable the school to be part of KASNEB’s wide network of training and examining centres. The school is also pursuing a partnership with International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) to enable it offer computer training to form four leavers from January 2015. The University in collaboration with a partner is in the process of establishing a Business Leadership Centre to provide training and consultancy services in leadership and management to businesses and organizations. These strategies, coupled with the fact that the school has distinguished itself from the rest, makes it the business school of choice particularly for students looking for a university that will induce leadership qualities in their lives.
