Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is positioning itself to tackle the nation's graduate employability crisis head-on, with its leadership vowing to provide students with 'life-changing exposure' that goes beyond traditional academics.

The move comes as Kenya grapples with a severe mismatch between university training and market demands, a reality that sees many graduates unemployed or underemployed. In this tough environment, KeMU's leadership is staking its reputation on a strategy of intensive practical training and global partnerships to give its students a decisive edge.

During the university's 25th graduation ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Rev. Prof. John Kobia Ataya emphasized that the university aims for a transformation that “extends far beyond academic achievement.” He asserted that knowledge combined with the right attitudes creates professionals ready to be agents of change.

Beyond the Lecture Hall

At the core of KeMU's strategy is a pivot towards skills that employers value. The university is enhancing its curriculum with a greater focus on information technology, including artificial intelligence, to boost the dynamism and innovation of its learners. This aligns with concerns from industry players about a persistent gap in practical and soft skills among Kenyan graduates.

To bridge this gap, the university is actively pursuing collaborations. Recent engagements include a partnership with the University of Malta, which involved faculty exchanges and interactive sessions for students in the health sciences. The university's Board of Trustees Chairman, Rev. Prof. Samwel Kobia, has openly called for more local and international partners to support this mission.

An Answer to Unemployment

The challenge is significant. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the youth unemployment rate stands at a staggering 67%, with many graduates lacking the specific skills required by the modern workplace. It can take a Kenyan graduate an average of five years to secure formal employment.

KeMU's leadership believes its focus on producing well-rounded, innovative, and ethically grounded graduates is the answer. The university highlights several key initiatives aimed at boosting student competitiveness:

• **Industry Partnerships:** Collaborations with local and international institutions to provide real-world learning experiences.
• **Technology Integration:** Infusing training with newer technologies like AI to prepare students for a digital-first world.
• **Values-Based Education:** Instilling integrity, teamwork, and accountability to develop not just skilled, but also responsible professionals.
• **Global Recognition:** KeMU was recently ranked among the top 100 universities in Africa, an achievement it views as a call to action to continue enhancing its educational offerings.

As KeMU pushes forward with its ambitious agenda, the ultimate measure of its success will be the careers of its alumni. The university's leadership is confident that by providing more than just a degree, it is equipping a new generation to not only find jobs but to create them.