The Game of Employment

 

Wambui (not her real name) awoke before the sun. As she sipped her tea, she reflected on her job interview from earlier that week. The one that seemed like the ideal chance was a marketing position with a well-known company in Nairobi. She had aced the interview, or so she thought. However, the phone hadn't rung yet, and her inbox remained empty. A part of her wanted to believe it was just a question of time, but another part couldn't shake the sensation of doubt. Another week of waiting and many applications...

This may be the story of many Kenyans in today's employment market: navigating the highs and lows of job hunting, hoping for that one break, while dealing with the angst of uncertainty. The game of work, like any other game, may be unpredictable, unjust, and, at times, tiring. While Wambui's experience may sound similar to many, it also underscores an important fact: Kenya's work market is changing. The way we play the game is also evolving.

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1. Job Seekers: Wambui's Journey.

Every year, thousands of young Kenyans graduate from universities, colleges, and vocational training institutions. They are armed with degrees, diplomas, and the desire to establish their careers in a competitive market. They, like Wambui, face the reality of an oversaturated job market in which employers frequently require more experience than the average graduate can provide. There's always the question of "How do I get experience if no one will hire me?"

The truth is that the path to employment in Kenya is not straightforward. It's a maze of applications, rejections, and the occasional unexpected opportunity that appears out of nowhere. For some, the dream of a steady career at a large corporation remains unattainable. However, many people are turning to alternative careers such as freelancing, entrepreneurship, or even remote work. Platforms such as Ajira Digital are assisting many people in realising the promise of digital work, providing hope to those who possess the talents but lack formal expertise.

Wambui, for example, launched a side hustle selling handmade jewellery while she was looking for work. It wasn't her first option, but it provided an opportunity to tap into Kenya's thriving entrepreneurial culture. Her side business grew gradually, and she found herself having to balance both freelance work and job applications. Despite the uncertainty, her journey was one of resilience.

2. Employers: the Game Masters

Employers are on the opposite side of the job market. In Kenya, the role of the employer is critical in determining whether talent flourishes or fades. However, the game isn't as simple as it appears for them either. They're tasked with selecting the best candidate from a large pool of applications. With so many job seekers, firms must be strategic about who they hire.

In Kenya, many employers still prefer conventional education. A degree from a well-known university is commonly regarded as a passport to work. However, as the world evolves, some employers are beginning to reconsider this strategy. Employers are increasingly valuing real experience over a polished CV in fields where skills frequently outnumber qualifications, such as technology.

Consider a company in Nairobi that is looking to hire a digital marketing specialist. They may overlook the amount of degrees on the candidate's resume in favour of their web portfolio, previous campaigns, or freelance experience. This shift in priorities is altering the landscape for job searchers like Wambui, who may lack formal work experience but have polished vital talents through personal initiatives.

3. Government: The Rules are Changing

In Kenya, the government is heavily involved in influencing the job environment. Over the last few years, initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) and Ajira Digital have tried to provide young Kenyans with the skills required to thrive in the modern economy. While these efforts have offered some respite, there is still an increasing disparity between the skills that young Kenyans are learning and the employment that is available to them.

For many, the formal sector is unable to keep up with the rate of job creation. This reality has pushed millions into the informal sector, where firms are often modest and uncontrolled yet provide a means of existence. It's a game of resilience in which some small firms thrive while others flounder.

Wambui's side hustle, for example, was a response to the fact that the formal sector did not provide her with the chances she needed. She was able to gain access to digital marketing training thanks to several government initiatives, giving her the advantage she needed to take her jewellery business to the next level.

4. The Global Landscape: New Rules in Play.

The global job market is also changing the game in Kenya. With the rise of digital platforms and remote work, Kenyans are no longer limited to local options. Wambui, who previously believed her options were limited to Nairobi, now works with clients from all over the world thanks to online freelancing networks. She's more than simply a local job seeker; she's a global one.

However, this transformation is not without its problems. With more remote work prospects comes increased competition, job seekers in Kenya now compete with people from all over the world. The game has shifted from local to global, and distinguishing out needs more than just technical ability. Creativity, adaptability, and a global perspective are the new money.

Winning the Game: Lessons Learnt

Employment in Kenya, like any other game, has many twists and turns. There are days of optimism, times of defeat, and surprising breakthroughs. However, for individuals like Wambui, who are persistent, adaptable, and open-minded, there is always a way forward.

The rules may appear difficult, but the strategy is simple: keep playing. Whether you're looking for work, starting your own business, or learning new skills, the key is to stay in the game.

The job market may be unpredictable, but those who understand its rules, who know how to adapt and innovate, are the ones who win. Or so I have heard so many times, but if we are being honest, the employment game wasn't made for anyone to win. I know I am contradicting myself, but as I was writing this article, I really thought of the people who don't really want anything other than being employed. For me, to win employment isn't the game you want to play in the long run. For my employment people, and people figuring out too, good luck, and I hope this article helps you achieve whatever it is, the game of employment-related.