As more than 4.5 million youths in Kenya continue to struggle with joblessness, students joining universities have been urged to choose courses wisely to enable them compete effectively in the job market.

In a bid to build a resilient workforce, Veronica Kamau, an expert in hospitality, tourism and international relations challenged the students to ensure their courses of study help them find employment opportunities in the shrinking job market.

While the joblessness catastrophe in the country has often been attributed to the disconnect between education offered and demands in the job market, Nduta warned the learners against undertaking courses they are not familiar with simply because they want to have a university degree.

Speaking during Zetech University Open Day in Ruiru, Kiambu County, the expert noted with concern that many students choose courses out of pressure from friends and parents only to drop them along the way after things go haywire.

On the other hand, reports indicate that many educational institutions in Kenya continue to churn out graduates with degrees that do not align with the skills needed in today’s economy.

Her remarks emerged at a time when the government had reviewed the education system in the country with a view to ensuring the curriculum and training offered to students meet the needs of the country as envisaged in the Vision 2030.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry Kiogora, the head of department, business and economics at Zetech university noted the need to identify talents of learners at an early stage of education to enable them pursue their careers and exploit them fully.

At a time when Kenya continues to face a youth bulge with 75% of the Kenyan population being aged below 35 years, stakeholders were challenged to address the great challenge of youth unemployment in Kenya.

This would help in ensuring the youth contribute to sustainable and inclusive social-economic development in the country.