Every year, droves of hopeful students step into Kenyan colleges and universities, all chasing a common dream: graduate, land a decent job, and start crafting a life of stability. It’s a familiar script, really. But somewhere between first-year orientation and graduation caps flying in the air, reality kicks in,and it hits hard.
Many discover that they’ve studied something that thousands of others also picked. Same degree. Same ambitions. Same job market. But far too few openings. These are the so-called “flooded” courses.
Now, let’s get something clear,just because a course is saturated doesn’t mean it’s pointless. Some of them still hold value, but only if you’re walking in with open eyes and a game plan.
Let’s break down ten of the most crowded fields in Kenya and what you should consider before diving in.
1. Art Courses
For the creatively inclined, art courses can feel like home. They let you tap into your imagination and refine your talent.
But here’s the catch,Kenya’s job market doesn’t have many formal doors open for fine artists or sculptors. Employers aren’t exactly scrambling to hire painters.
So, if this is your path, think entrepreneurial. Maybe you’ll thrive by selling art online, diving into design work, or building a brand through content creation. Just know this: opportunities won’t come knocking,you’ll have to chase them, hard.
2. Education
Teaching holds prestige and promise,especially for those drawn to shaping minds. It’s accessible too, with relatively manageable entry requirements. But there’s a downside: certain subject combinations are oversaturated.
Options like Business, History, and CRE were once popular but are now overdone. Unless you specialize in STEM subjects, ICT, or special needs, expect a tougher job hunt.
Love teaching? Great,but be strategic, and maybe keep a Plan B in your back pocket.
3. Psychology and Counseling
Helping others heal is noble,and undeniably attractive to those who want meaningful careers. Psychology and counselling sound idealistic, even therapeutic in themselves. But the field is crowded.
Graduates are pouring out of these programs yearly, but job openings haven’t scaled up. To really make it, you’ll need more than a degree,certifications, internships, registration with professional bodies, and a strong network will set you apart.
4. Hospitality
Once seen as a golden ticket to job stability,thanks to tourism and events,hospitality has lost its shine. Too many people enrolled. Too few jobs remain.
But if you’ve got a nose for business, there’s still hope. Small ventures like bakeries, catering, or events management can turn into steady income. Just don’t bet everything on landing a hotel gig straight after graduation.
5. Economics and Statistics
These two often come bundled,and they matter. Government bodies and development organizations lean heavily on economists and statisticians. Think of KNBS or financial consultancies,they all need number crunchers and policy minds.
Still, while demand exists, so does fierce competition. Want to stand out? Build skills in data analysis, econometric tools, and policy modeling. And yes, internships and connections go a long way.
6. Commerce
Commerce is the Swiss army knife of business education,touching everything from accounting and marketing to logistics. Kenyan SMEs and corporates do hire commerce grads, but here’s the twist: the field is jam-packed.
Entry-level roles fill up fast, and without extra qualifications,say CPA, ACCA, or digital finance tools,you might find yourself sidelined. Success here means constant learning, networking, and showing up with more than just a degree.
7. Law
Law still commands respect. But it’s not the sure-fire career it once seemed. After your LLB, there’s the Kenya School of Law, the bar exam, and the grueling pupilage. Then? You join a sea of fresh law grads all eyeing the same positions.
Yes, lawyers are needed,in firms, NGOs, and the government,but the bar’s high. Intern early. Write. Research. Build your CV before you even finish school. Without that edge, the competition might swallow you whole.
8. Information Technology
Kenya’s big dreams for a digital future,think Vision 2030,have turned ICT into a star course. Nairobi didn’t earn the “Silicon Savannah” nickname for nothing.
But while IT is trendy, it’s also bloated. A plain degree won’t cut it anymore. Employers want problem-solvers who can code, build, secure networks, or make data talk. Want to shine? Start building a portfolio. Learn beyond the syllabus. Stay current with tech.
9. Social Work and Community Development
This field attracts the idealists,the ones who want to serve communities and drive change. And yes, NGOs and local governments do recruit here.
The downside? It’s low-paying at first, and opportunities are thin. But if you specialize,say in gender policy, child protection, or public health,and pair that with skills like grant writing or M&E, you might just carve out a real career.
10. Mass Communication
This one’s the dreamer’s choice. Many envision themselves reading news or hosting shows. But the Kenyan media scene isn’t growing fast enough to accommodate everyone.
Don’t despair, though. If you’re creative and resourceful, there’s still a lane for you. Podcast. YouTube. Digital marketing. Learn video editing. Master storytelling. The internet is your stage, but you’ll need hustle and originality to grab the mic.
Final Thoughts
Flooded courses are real. And yes, they can lead to frustration, especially if you expected a job at the finish line. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless.
What matters is your mindset. Know the terrain before you start the journey. Add extra skills. Stay flexible. Think creatively. Because in the end, no course guarantees success,but your initiative just might.
Your degree is just a tool. What you build with it? That’s on you.
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