#FirstClassBetrayal: Jobless Kenyans post certificates online hoping to secure employment
Jobless Kenyans have swarmed social media to share their heartbreaking struggles in searching for employment to no avail despite holding impressive academic papers.
On Sunday, Citizen TV, aired the story of Kelvin Ochieng, a First-Class graduate at University of Nairobi (UON) who is jobless and homeless.
Kelvin, a former Maranda High School student, scored straight A’s in KCSE and proceeded to study Actuarial Science at the university.
A stranger, Christopher Oloo, one day saw him sleeping on the streets and took him in. They live together in Kosovo, Mathare slums.
“I was frustrated and went to live in the streets for a year after failing to land a job. It’s better living in Mathare than lying in the streets. Back home, they all believed that I would be the saviour,” said Kelvin.
“I applied to Central Bank and other top firms but ended up in vain. This frustration weighed up on me until I contemplated suicide,” he added.
Jeff Koinange, the TV host, called on potential employers to come to Kelvin’s aid.
“There has to be somebody out there who can help Kelvin. First-class Honours. A First-class student. It’s not right. We will have failed as a nation if we can’t help such people out there,” said Mr Koinange.
He later revealed that several people had reached out asking for the graduate’s number.
Soon after the story aired, other frustrated graduates took to social media to ask for help. Many shared their certificates and mobile numbers just in case there is an opening.
Here are some of them.
I graduated last year,sent over 500 job applications via email, numerous tarmacking in the city with no success???. I hold a Bsc Supply Chain Management, Second Class Honors Upper Division. As you reach out to Kelvin, Reach out to me please. 0704691332. #FirstClassBetrayal pic.twitter.com/aKMApgWI3Y
— Duke of Kirinyagashire?? (@njanja_dennis) July 21, 2019
Sad story! I thought this first class curse was unique to me, am also looking for a job. #FirstClassBetrayal#sundaylive @KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/jETuMZnCeL
— Ndegwa Njuguna (@NdegwaNjugunah) July 21, 2019
#FirstClassBetrayal I am Douglas 0708569819. I also scored a First Class in Actuarial Science from Seku in 2017, but nothing has come on my way even after applying close to 500 jobs. I hope this story reaches other Kelvin's like me.
— DOUGLAS ONDIEKI (@ondiekidouglas8) July 21, 2019
#FirstClassBetrayal@JeffKoinange
It's really painful working hard to achieve academic success but at the end no one gives him a job.
This is not a miracle I'm a victim of the same been applying for jobs and internships but no feedback/vacancy given. pic.twitter.com/HmPxWhbhg5— isocheru (@isocheru1) July 21, 2019
I am Ignatius Isigi Mung'asia. I graduated from Moi University with bsc in media science,second class honours upper division. Give me a chance too. Contact: 0712822122 or ignatiousisigi@gmail.com
— Ignatious Isigi (@IgnatiousIsigi) July 21, 2019
#FirstClassBetrayal. Hi JKL, there is a Kevin Oduor with similar story to the one you've highlighted. He has 1st class and has been tarmacking and languishing in Kibera slums since 2017. His number: +254701657623. May God bless.
— Ogwel (@gregoryogwel) July 21, 2019