In a telling sign of the times, millions in China are flocking to take the national civil service exam, seeking the lifelong security of a government job. This weekend, a record 3.7 million people will compete for just 38,100 vacancies, a phenomenon that resonates deeply with the Kenyan experience, where the public sector is often viewed as the ultimate career prize.

This intense competition for what the Chinese call an "iron rice bowl"—a job for life—highlights a growing global trend: in an uncertain economy, the stability of a government paycheck trumps the potential risks and rewards of the private sector. For many young Kenyans navigating a job market where youth unemployment is alarmingly high, this is an all-too-familiar reality.

A Global Hunt for Security

The sheer scale of China's civil service recruitment is staggering. The number of applicants means there are, on average, 97 people competing for every single job. Some positions are exceptionally sought after; an immigration officer role in the city of Ruili attracted a jaw-dropping 6,470 applicants for one post.

This rush towards public service comes despite typically lower wages. The allure is security, a powerful motivator in a challenging economy. A World Bank survey noted a similar sentiment in Kenya, finding that young people prefer government employment due to its stability and pension benefits. Government jobs are known for being more stable, shielding employees from the unpredictable layoffs and mergers that can characterize the private sector.

The Kenyan Parallel

Here at home, the scramble for secure employment is just as fierce. With hundreds of thousands of graduates entering the job market annually to compete for a limited number of formal positions, the appeal of a Public Service Commission (PSC) job is immense. The youth, who make up 35% of the population, face a staggering unemployment rate of 67%. This reality has led many to see government work as a safe haven.

The situation is compounded by a persistent mismatch between the skills taught in universities and the demands of the job market, a challenge noted by the Federation of Kenyan Employers. This skills gap leaves many graduates unemployed or underemployed, making the structured career path of the civil service even more attractive.

Key statistics paint a stark picture of the employment landscape:

• It takes a Kenyan graduate an average of five years to secure employment.
• Even highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, face unemployment, with over 4,000 reported to be jobless in 2023.
• The public sector in Kenya has a high employee retention rate of 95%, with studies suggesting it is often the employer of choice.

In response to its own demographic pressures, China recently raised the age limit for exam candidates. The move reflects a broader reckoning with an aging population, a challenge many nations, including Kenya, will eventually face.

For both nations, this intense focus on public sector employment raises critical questions. While the government must attract talent to deliver services, a thriving economy also depends on innovation and risk-taking in the private sector. The trend suggests that for a generation of young workers from Nairobi to Beijing, the dream is not necessarily to build something new, but to find a secure place in a turbulent world.