PERCEPTIONS OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATE YOUTH ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PRACTICAL LEARNING IN ENHANCING GRADUATE YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Statistics have shown an overwhelming number of graduate unemployment globally with Africa having more than 5 million graduates from 668 universities unemployed every year. Kenya recorded 39.1 percent unemployment rate in 2017 with estimations that 4 out of 10 young people are jobless with requisite qualification. Among various factors, researchers have attributed the overwhelming graduate unemployment rate to inadequate work experience, employable skills and competencies among graduates. There is therefore need for a holistic, in-depth view of practical learning as one of the factors aimed at enhancing graduate employability by sufficiently equipping graduates with the necessary skills for wage employment and self-employment. This study therefore sought to critically analyze the perceptions of university graduate youth on the significance of practical learning in enhancing graduate youth employability in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design on an estimated target population of 116,000 graduate youth within the last five years and between 21-35 years from Nairobi, Kenyatta and Jomo Kenyatta Universities. A statistically significant sample size of 399 respondents was obtained through purposive and self-selection sampling techniques and questionnaires administered. A focus group discussion was also held with 12 graduate youth. The study established that according to the graduate youth, practical learning plays a key role in enhancing graduate youth employment with the need for universities to offer more opportunities for attachments, educational tours and group projects to increase students’ hands-on experience and exposure to the real world. Key words: Perceptions, training, employability, graduate youth, practical learning.                                                                                                                                         CITATION:   Ochieng’, A. H., Otuya, P., & Ochieng’, D. (2019). Perceptions of university graduate youth on the significance of practical learning in enhancing graduate youth employability in Nairobi County, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (3), 606 – 615.