In today’s highly competitive and evolving job market in Kenya, certain degrees may be seen as less relevant or less likely to lead to immediate employment, particularly in a fast-changing global economy. Here is a list of degrees that are often viewed as having limited job prospects in Kenya’s current market context:
1. General Arts Degrees (e.g., Sociology, Philosophy)
- Why: While valuable for critical thinking and analysis, these degrees often do not lead directly to jobs in high-demand sectors. Graduates may struggle to find employment without additional skills or specialization.
- Job Outlook: Low demand unless combined with professional courses like public relations, education, or law.
2. Anthropology
- Why: Anthropology has a very niche application in Kenya, primarily in academia or research institutions. Most industries do not prioritize it as a core skill.
- Job Outlook: Limited to research roles, museums, or cultural organizations, which have few openings.
3. Criminology
- Why: While relevant in theory, criminology jobs in Kenya are not as prevalent, and law enforcement agencies prefer candidates with law or security management qualifications.
- Job Outlook: Few opportunities outside of academia or niche security-related roles.
4. Environmental Science
- Why: Environmental awareness is growing, but the job market for environmental science professionals remains small. Employers often prefer candidates with more specialized qualifications in engineering or resource management.
- Job Outlook: Limited jobs unless paired with technical skills or postgraduate qualifications.
5. Theology and Religious Studies
- Why: This degree is often limited to religious institutions, which offer very few opportunities. It may be valuable for personal growth or religious leadership but has limited appeal in the broader job market.
- Job Outlook: Restricted to church leadership or teaching positions, which are scarce.
6. Library Science
- Why: The digital age has reduced the demand for traditional librarians as more resources move online. The shrinking number of physical libraries means fewer jobs.
- Job Outlook: Limited to academic institutions or large organizations with specialized libraries.
7. Development Studies
- Why: While development work is essential, most NGOs and government bodies seek candidates with more specialized skills like project management, finance, or specific technical expertise, rather than a general development studies degree.
- Job Outlook: NGO work is competitive and often requires specific experience or postgraduate qualifications.
8. History
- Why: Like anthropology, history offers limited direct job prospects outside academia. Its practical applications in today’s economy are minimal unless paired with education or law.
- Job Outlook: Teaching positions are the main career path, which are not in high demand.
9. Gender Studies
- Why: Though relevant to social advocacy, gender studies offer limited career opportunities in Kenya outside of NGOs or academia. Few positions prioritize this specialization, and the competition is stiff.
- Job Outlook: Mostly limited to advocacy roles or academic research, which are rare.
10. Fine Arts
- Why: The creative industry in Kenya, while growing, is still underdeveloped compared to other fields like tech or finance. Fine arts graduates may find it difficult to secure stable, well-paying jobs.
- Job Outlook: Very competitive; most successful individuals in this field are freelancers, which can be challenging without the right networks or business acumen.
Why These Degrees Struggle in Kenya’s Job Market:
- Job Mismatch: Many of these degrees do not match the immediate needs of Kenya’s fast-growing sectors like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
- Over-Saturation: Some fields, like criminology and development studies, have too many graduates competing for very few jobs.
- Global Trends: The rise of automation and digital transformation is reducing the need for traditional roles, favoring degrees in fields like IT, data science, and engineering.
- Economic Focus: Kenya’s economy is prioritizing industries like agriculture, technology, infrastructure development, and healthcare, leaving little room for degrees with fewer practical applications.
What To Do If You Have These Degrees:
- Upskill: Learn in-demand skills like data analysis, project management, or digital marketing.
- Entrepreneurship: Consider starting a business or freelancing, especially in fields like fine arts or development.
- Further Education: Specialize further or pursue postgraduate degrees that can offer more marketable skills.
