DO KENYAN UNIVERSITY STEM GRADUATES POSSESS EMPLOYABLE SKILLS FOR THE JOB MARKET?

Authors

  • Josephat M. Kiweu School of Business and Economics, Machakos University, Kenya
  • David Mulwa School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
  • Jacinta Kinyili School of Business and Economics, Machakos University, Kenya
  • Pamela Muriungi School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
  • Richard Kimiti School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
  • James Muola School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v8i2.3621

Keywords:

science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Kenyan universities

Abstract

Economic growth world over is based on the supply and availability of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics graduates due to their desired skills. However, a major concern in most developing countries including Kenya is whether STEM graduates possess the skills required by labour market. This study therefore seeks to find out if there exists a ‘skills gap problem’ in STEM graduates emerging from Kenyan Universities. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The sample size of the study were 66 lecturers, 59 laboratory technologists and 275 students in the STEM disciplines in the four technology-based universities in Kenya. A purposive sample of four employers where most STEM graduates seek internship were used to seek employer views on competency of the graduates. Data was collected through five sets of questionnaires for each for lecturers, laboratory technologists, employers, alumni and students. Analysis of data was done through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings suggest that STEM graduates coming out from Kenyan universities don’t receive enough training thus requiring more exposure on practical sessions to be productive and more mentoring. Training based on STEM curriculum was relevant for the Kenyan industries despite the study indicating that there are inadequacies with the STEM training facilities. The study also revealed that the staff handling the students are competent, and theoretical and practical lessons are adequately prepared.

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Author Biographies

  • Josephat M. Kiweu, School of Business and Economics, Machakos University, Kenya
    Prof. Josephat Kiweu is an Associate Professor of Finance and Accounting, Machakos University, Kenya.
  • David Mulwa, School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
    Dr. David Mulwa is a Senior Lecturer of Educational Management and Planning, Machakos University, Kenya.
  • Jacinta Kinyili, School of Business and Economics, Machakos University, Kenya
    Dr. Jacinta Kinyili is a Lecturer of Human Resource Management, Machakos University, Kenya.
  • Pamela Muriungi, School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
    Dr. Pamela Muriungi is a Lecturer of Special Needs Education, Machakos University, Kenya.
  • Richard Kimiti, School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
    Dr. Richard Kimiti is a Senior Lecturer in Curriculum Studies, Machakos University, Kenya.
  • James Muola, School of Education, Machakos University, Kenya
    Prof. James Muola is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Machakos University, Kenya.

References

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Chetty, L. R. (2012). The Role of Science and Technology in the Developing World in the 21st Century. Institute of Ethics and Emerging Technologies. https://ieet.org/index.php/IEET2/more/chetty20121003.

Daily Nation/Newsplex, Saturday, December 9, 2017. Sciences courses lose popularity to business at university, by Joshua Mutisya.

Engineering for Kids (2016). Why is STEM Education so Important? https://www.engineeringforkids.com/about/news/2016/february.

Government of India (2019). Study in India. https://www.studyinindia.gov.in/blog/Page/stem-education-India%E2%80%99s-next-frontier.

Maselli I. & Beblavý M. (2013). The Opportunity Costs of STEM Degrees and the Unmet Needs of the Low-Skilled: Two labour market problems explained. CEPS Policy Briefs, No. 295, CEPS website http://www.ceps.eu.

Republic of Kenya (2007). Kenya Vision 2030. Republic of Kenya. Government Printer.

States Department of Labour (2019). Employment Projections 2018-2028. Bureau of labour Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf.

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Published

2021-03-11

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Articles

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