Like thousands of Kenyans, he graduated with hope. "I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Business Management but I am still looking for a stable employment. My certificate now hangs framed on the living walls of my parents' home and my laptop sits open its screens with a lot of job applications.’’ 

His experiences reflects a growing concern across the country. Every year, thousands of students graduate from Kenyan universities full of hope. For many families, graduation is seen as a gateway to employment, financial stability and social mobility. However, for a growing number of young graduates, the reality after university is different, Despite holding degrees and professional qualifications, many young people spend months and sometimes years searching for employment without success. 

Recent data shows that about 11.9 % of Kenyan youth aged 15–24 are unemployed, a slight decline from previous years but still notably high. At the same time, institutions of higher learning continue to release thousands of graduates into the job market each year.

The most recent labour data indicates that young Kenyans face significant challenges in labour market absorption. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment remains a key concern affecting a large number of graduates.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has acknowledged the pressure on the labour market, noting that the number of young people entering the workforce each year continues to exceed available opportunities. This imbalance contributes to the persistent unemployment challenge in Kenya.

‘’Since graduating, I have attended several interviews,’’ Brian who graduated from Chuka University explains. ‘’Most employers ask for experiences I do not have yet. How do they expect us to have experiences when they are not employing us to have the work experience?’’ This mismatch between the number of graduates and the number of jobs available continues to widen political gaps.

Experts argue that the issue is not only about the number of jobs available but also about how well graduates are prepared for the workplace. Meaning you must be experienced in the field.

A major report by Brighter Monday Kenya, one of the country’s leading job platforms, highlights that even where positions exist, many employers increasingly prioritise digital skills, adaptability and practical experience alongside academic qualifications. "When I went for the interview, they asked about practical skills and software tools which I was unable to provide because I believed that skills I will get them later on.We practised theories in classes. Practicals were limited.’’ Brian says. 

This is partly because technology is changing over time and modern business practices are reshaping job requirements faster than traditional curricula, creating a skills gap between what graduates learn and what employers seek.

Now that formal employment opportunities are limited, many graduates are turning to informal work and self-employment. Small businesses, online freelancing and short term contracts have become common among young professionals seeking financial independence. This trend is supported by broader labour data showing that a significant portion of job creation in Kenya lies in less regulated sectors, where work may be unstable. "At some point you start considering small businesses ideas just to avoid staying idle.’’ Brian admits.

Economic analysts say that while self-employment and entrepreneurship can be valuable, they are often responses to necessity rather than structured career development.

Youth unemployment has implications beyond individual income. High rates of unemployment among educated youth can slow national productivity and reduce the return on investment in higher education. "My family invested a lot in my education. I feel pressure to become financially idependent but opportunities are limited.’’ says Brian.

Data also points to regional disparities. For example, recent local studies show that certain areas, such as Mombasa County, have youth unemployment rates estimated as high as 44 %, illustrating uneven economic opportunity across the country. 

The Government of Kenya has introduced various youth empowerment and employment support programmes, including enterprise funds and digital skills initiatives designed to help young people find work or start businesses. However, experts maintain that addressing graduate unemployment will require deeper structural changes. These include stronger collaboration between universities and employers, curriculum reforms to align training with labour market needs, and policies to stimulate growth in sectors capable of creating large-scale, quality jobs. 

Looking ahead, Kenya has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education. More young people are graduating than ever before. However, employment growth has not matched this expansion. 

A university degree remains valuable, but it no longer guarantees immediate job security. Closing the gap between qualification and employment will require coordinated efforts and collaboration from educators, policymakers, the private sector and young people themselves. Until structural adjustment are made, the transition from graduation to stable employment will continue to present challenges for many Kenyan youth just like Brian.

As for this new month of March,  the weatherman says, "most places in Kitui county are likely to receive near average to above average rainfall".

Further predictions indicate that rainfall is likely to be enhanced over most areas of Kitui County during the first two weeks of this month. As we head towards April, brace yourself for dry spells.

For an rainfall season onset to be considered to have taken place, an area must receive at least 20mm of rainfall within three consecutive days and with no dry spells lasting more than seven days. Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi confirmed that most parts of the county already have had an onset of March-April-May rainfall season. 

The maximum temperature for the long rains season are likely to be warmer than average over most parts of Kitui county.  This week's maximum temperature range will be between 22°C and 31°C while the minimum temperatures are likely to oscillate from 16°C to 22°C.

The operation, carried out across several towns in the county, exposed widespread irregularities in alcohol businesses, particularly at Kabati Market in Kitui West subcounty. 

NACADA officials uncovered a series of violations that contravene the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, including the sale of counterfeit alcohol, possession of fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) documents, expired business licences, and operating premises located in close proximity to schools and places of worship.

Sections 12 and 13 of this Act prohibit the establishment of alcohol outlets near educational institutions and religious facilities. However, during the inspection in Kabati Market, authorities discovered several bars and stores situated near a secondary school, in clear violation of the law.

The NACADA team, led by Deputy Director Cooperate Communications Simon Mwangi, confirmed that they recovered more than 900 cartons of alcoholic drinks bearing fake KRA stamps and over 250 crates of suspected harmful alcoholic beverages from one trader alone.“We have been conducting a multi-agency operation across Kitui County and successfully nabbed a distributor dealing in counterfeit alcohol within this area,” said Mwangi. “From one business person, we seized alcoholic products valued at approximately KSh5 million.”

Mwangi noted that the confiscated products not only carried counterfeit documentation but also posed a serious health risk to consumers. Some of the premises were operating with expired licences, further compounding the offences.

The suspects have since been arrested and will face prosecution in accordance with the law. The seized products have been confiscated as exhibits pending court proceedings.“We are going to prosecute the business owner to ensure he faces the full force of the law. This will serve as a warning to others engaging in similar illegal trade,” Mwangi added.

According to NACADA, Kitui County has recorded a rising number of counterfeit alcohol cases within the Eastern region, raising concerns among authorities over public health and safety. Illicit brews have previously been linked to severe health complications and fatalities in various parts of the country.

Mwangi urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious alcohol-related activities within their communities.“We request members of the public to remain alert and volunteer information regarding such illegal business activities for their own safety,” he said. “Consumers must also be vigilant about what they consume by verifying the authenticity and content of alcoholic products.”

NACADA issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol, stressing that penalties under the law are severe.“Those engaging in illegal alcohol trade must understand that once apprehended, they will face the consequences. We are committed to enforcing the law to the letter to protect the public,” Mwangi concluded.

The operation forms part of a broader national campaign aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit alcohol across the country.

Through platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram, young Kenyans have amplified conversations on police accountability, corruption, constitutionalism and human rights. Their online activism has redefined public participation, often setting the national agenda and holding leaders accountable in real time.

Yet, beneath this vibrant advocacy lies a troubling paradox: while Gen Z champions freedom and good governance, voter turnout among young people in by-elections across the country has remained notably low. This contradiction raises an important question: Can a generation truly transform governance if it disengages from the ballot box?

Gen Z’s political engagement is undeniably different from that of previous generations. Unlike their parents, who expressed civic participation primarily through rallies and party affiliations, today’s youth leverage digital tools to mobilize, educate and protest. Online petitions trend within hours.

Government missteps are dissected instantly. Public pressure mounts quickly and sometimes forces institutional responses. This new model of participation is dynamic and accessible, especially in urban centres and university spaces.

However, elections remain the backbone of Kenya’s democratic framework. The Constitution provides that sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised directly or through elected representatives. 

When by-elections record dismal youth turnout, it signals a gap between activism and institutional participation. While social media creates awareness, only voting converts that awareness into formal political power.

Several factors explain this disconnect. First, there is widespread disillusionment with political elites. Many young Kenyans feel that elections recycle the same faces under different party banners. Secondly, economic hardship has fostered survival-focused priorities; attending a by-election may not seem urgent when unemployment and the high cost of living dominate daily life. 

Thirdly, skepticism about electoral integrity discourages participation, especially when previous electoral cycles have been marred by disputes.

Nonetheless, withdrawing from the electoral process carries consequences. When youth abstain, decisions are shaped by older and often more consistent voting blocs. Policies affecting education funding, digital taxation, job creation and innovation are then determined without substantial youth input. Silence at the ballot empowers others to decide on their behalf.

The Gen Z movement has already demonstrated its capacity to influence governance debates. Its courage in confronting excesses and demanding transparency signals democratic maturity. Yet, sustainable reform requires a fusion of digital activism and electoral participation. 

Voting in by-elections  often dismissed as minor political events  is equally significant because it shapes representation at local levels where service delivery is most tangible.

Kenya stands at a generational crossroads. The same energy that trends hashtags can transform polling stations. The same voices that demand accountability online can institutionalize change through consistent voting. For Gen Z to cement its legacy as champions of freedom and human rights, it must translate passion into ballots.

While speaking during the burial of Mr Benard Mwangangi,  a retired Director of Planning in Garissa  County, Mwingi Municipal Manager Mr Alex Mutemi said residents have a role to play in the fight against cancer.   "We should not always wait for the government to come in and help us. Let us take proactive steps in seeking early treatment to prevent unnecessary deaths", said Mutemi while addressing mourners at Mbauni Village.   

Mr Mutemi assured residents that Governor Julius Malombe administration was addressing the cancer menace. "A fully equipped and operational cancer centre has been established at Kitui Level IV Hospital, and plans are underway to set up a similar facility at Mwingi Level IV Hospital ", he said.

According to the Ministry of Health, cancer was the third leading cause of death in Kenya in 2018 after infectious and cardiovascular diseases."70-80% of cancer patients in Kenya are diagnosed at an advanced disease when it is not amenable to cure", observed the then Health CS Mrs Sicily Kariuki in a 120 page report titled; National Cancer Screening Guidelines available on the website of the National Cancer Institute.