UoN Ranked Topmost in Graduate Employability

University of Nairobi graduates are the most preferred by Kenyan employers.

This was revealed by CPS International, a marketing and social research firm that surveyed 67 universities and 50 organizations between November and January in 2019/2020 academic year.

In an article published in the Daily Nation and the Standard Newspaper on Thursday May 7th, the University of Nairobi graduate employability was 38.6% followed by Kenyatta University 30%, Moi 25%, JKUAT 19%, Egerton 18%, Maseno 18% and Technical University at 10%.

The state of the graduate employability in private universities is Mount Kenya University at 18%, USIU-Africa-6%, KCA 6%, Strathmore 5.8%, and Aga Khan 4%

For every 10 jobs, 8 are more likely to be taken up by graduates from public universities especially UoN.

Organizations that took part in the survey mentioned they look out for business and economics, ICT, engineering, social and behavioral Sciences, humanities and medical science graduates.

Universities with the highest employability rate are the most preferred by learners who are already in employment. UoN supplies 26.8% of working Kenyans who are continuing students; they are either employed or self-employed, Kenyatta University came second with 21.3%, Moi (18.1%), JKUAT, (15.2%) and Maseno (13.6%). 

Top 5 private universities with the highest number of working students is Mount Kenya University with 17%, USIU-Africa (6%), Strathmore (5.8%) and Nazarene and KCA tie at 4.9%. 

84% of employers said they look out for work experience, 73% said they look out for skills, hobbies and talents, 67% consider volunteerism while only 21% said they consider internship as important.

The most valued skills among employers are basic numeracy and literacy, ICT, ability to work in a team, positive attitude, strong communication abilities, and decision-making and organization skills.