The Most Useless Courses in Kenya: What You Need to Know

Education is a crucial foundation for personal and societal advancement. However, not all courses offered in higher education institutions in Kenya lead to promising career paths. Some degrees have been labeled “useless” due to low job prospects, limited industry demand, or an oversaturated market. While every course offers value in terms of knowledge, the employability and career relevance of certain degrees in Kenya are questionable. In this article, we’ll explore the most useless courses in Kenya, their challenges, and real-world insights into why they’ve earned this reputation.

Introduction to the Issue

In Kenya, like many other countries, the job market is highly competitive. Over the years, a significant number of graduates have struggled to secure employment, particularly those who pursued courses that have little relevance to the local economy. Many students are left frustrated after spending years in education, only to find themselves jobless or underemployed.

This blog seeks to explore the most useless courses in Kenya, shedding light on why they are often criticized, and offering insights for students who might be reconsidering their career paths.

Understanding "Useless" Courses

The term “useless” doesn’t imply that the knowledge gained is without merit. Rather, it reflects the disconnect between what students are learning and what the Kenyan job market demands. Factors such as technological advancements, market shifts, and local economic conditions can determine the utility of a degree. Some courses, although respected, fail to provide graduates with the skills or qualifications that Kenyan industries are currently seeking.

Top 15 Most Useless Courses in Kenya

1. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a highly specialized and technical course that can lead to promising careers in industrial production, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors in many parts of the world. However, in Kenya, the demand for chemical engineers remains minimal. The country’s industrial base is relatively small, limiting the opportunities for fresh graduates to apply their expertise in areas such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and environmental safety. Many chemical engineering graduates find themselves working in unrelated fields or in administrative roles within industries that do not fully utilize their skills. For those who remain in the field, employment often involves further training in adjacent sectors, such as environmental engineering or general management. The job market for chemical engineers in Kenya is also highly competitive, and only a few key companies or governmental bodies offer positions relevant to this degree. As a result, many chemical engineering graduates are left underemployed or seeking opportunities abroad.

2. Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. This academic field offers deep insights into historical and cultural contexts, but in Kenya, it is considered one of the less practical degrees in terms of direct job applicability. The job market for anthropology graduates is small, with most opportunities existing within academic institutions, museums, or NGOs, many of which are few and far between. Anthropology graduates often find themselves working in fields that do not require their specific expertise, such as marketing, human resources, or even customer service. This misalignment between their academic training and the available job roles can be frustrating for those who pursued the course with hopes of working in research or cultural preservation. Given the dominance of STEM and business-oriented careers in Kenya, anthropology graduates face limited opportunities and often have to pivot their career paths to sustain employment.

3. Education

Kenya has a long-standing tradition of valuing education as a means to economic and social mobility. However, despite the importance of teaching, the market for education graduates has become oversaturated. Thousands of students graduate with teaching degrees every year, yet government hiring has slowed due to budgetary constraints, and private schools have a limited number of positions. Many newly qualified teachers find themselves unemployed or working in temporary, low-paying teaching roles. The government’s hiring freeze in the public sector has exacerbated this problem, pushing many to seek further qualifications in hopes of standing out in the crowded job market. Unfortunately, even with higher qualifications, job openings remain limited. Moreover, the focus on STEM subjects means that arts and humanities teachers face even tougher competition. The oversupply of graduates and underfunding of the education sector contribute to the widespread challenges faced by those pursuing this career path.

4. Theology

Theology as a degree involves the study of religious beliefs, practices, and the nature of divinity. While theology is an intellectually enriching course, the career options for theology graduates in Kenya are quite narrow. Most students who pursue this degree aspire to work in religious institutions, such as churches or religious-based NGOs, but the demand for such positions is minimal. Churches, particularly in Kenya, do not typically have the financial capacity to hire large numbers of theology graduates, leaving many without viable employment options. Additionally, the few roles available often come with limited salaries and job security. Outside of religious settings, theology graduates may have difficulty finding work directly related to their degree, often resulting in them seeking employment in entirely different fields. This mismatch between the course and the available job opportunities has led to theology being considered one of the least practical courses in Kenya’s modern job market.

5. Business Administration

Business Administration is one of the most popular courses in Kenya due to its broad applicability across various industries. However, its popularity has become its downfall, as the market is now oversaturated with business administration graduates. Many Kenyan universities offer this program, producing thousands of graduates each year. While the course itself provides useful skills in management, finance, and marketing, the sheer number of graduates has diluted the job market, making it difficult for fresh graduates to secure roles without significant experience or additional qualifications. Many find themselves pursuing short courses in more specialized fields such as project management or data analytics to improve their employability. Entry-level roles in business administration are also often low-paying, and many graduates must accept internships or temporary roles with little chance of progression. The flood of graduates has created stiff competition, with many either pivoting into other sectors or struggling to advance in their careers.

6. Meteorology

Meteorology is a scientific field that focuses on weather forecasting and atmospheric studies. Although climate change is a growing global concern, the demand for meteorologists in Kenya remains low. Kenya’s infrastructure for weather-related research and industries is limited, with only a few key institutions, such as the Kenya Meteorological Department, offering jobs to meteorology graduates. As a result, many students who study this field find themselves either unemployed or working in unrelated sectors. Additionally, the equipment and resources necessary for advanced meteorological research are lacking in many Kenyan institutions, which further limits the scope of work available to graduates. For those who do find jobs in the field, the positions often involve administrative or low-level technical roles rather than engaging in specialized meteorological work. The lack of significant private sector involvement in meteorology also means that job opportunities remain scarce, pushing many graduates to seek work abroad.

7. Mass Media

A degree in mass media can open doors to exciting careers in journalism, broadcasting, and public relations. However, in Kenya, the media industry is highly competitive, and the number of graduates far exceeds the available job opportunities. Media houses have limited positions, and many of these roles are filled by those with significant experience or specialized skills, leaving fresh graduates with little room to enter the field. Additionally, the rise of digital media has changed the landscape, making traditional media jobs like print journalism more scarce. Many mass media graduates end up working in unrelated fields such as sales or customer service due to the limited job prospects in their chosen field. For those determined to stay in the industry, internships and freelance work are often the only way to get a foot in the door, but these opportunities are typically low-paying and offer little job security.

8. Arts

Artistic degrees such as fine arts, visual arts, and performing arts are often driven by passion. However, in Kenya, the job market for arts graduates is limited. While there are opportunities in creative industries such as design, film, and advertising, these sectors remain niche and are highly competitive. Many graduates struggle to make a living from their art, leading them to take up jobs in unrelated fields to support themselves. Moreover, the Kenyan economy places more emphasis on technical and practical skills, making it harder for arts graduates to secure stable employment. Only a few individuals succeed in making a sustainable career in the arts, typically through entrepreneurship, freelancing, or international opportunities. The lack of governmental or institutional support for the arts further hampers career prospects. Consequently, many arts graduates either struggle with underemployment or shift towards more marketable skills in design or digital media.

9. Hospitality

Kenya is known for its vibrant tourism industry, which once made hospitality a promising career choice. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the hospitality sector, leading to widespread job losses and reduced opportunities. As the industry slowly recovers, hospitality graduates are finding it difficult to secure stable employment. Even before the pandemic, the hospitality industry in Kenya was characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and seasonal employment, making it a less attractive option for long-term careers. Additionally, the growth of the informal tourism sector has further diminished formal job opportunities for hospitality graduates. Many graduates find themselves working in entry-level roles in hotels, restaurants, or tour companies, where the pay is often insufficient to meet their financial needs. The lack of job growth in the sector, combined with the increasing competition from newer graduates, means that many hospitality graduates are forced to seek alternative career paths or migrate abroad for better prospects.

10. Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is a specialized branch of agriculture that focuses on the breeding and care of livestock. While agriculture remains a vital part of Kenya’s economy, animal husbandry as a distinct field offers limited opportunities for career growth. Most animal husbandry graduates find themselves working in general agricultural roles, often in rural areas where salaries are low, and job security is limited. The job market for specialized roles in this field, such as animal health officers or livestock managers, is quite small, and these positions are often filled by individuals with broader agricultural training. Furthermore, the commercialization of farming practices in Kenya has shifted towards more automated and large-scale operations, reducing the demand for highly specialized animal husbandry professionals. This makes it difficult for graduates to find relevant work without branching into related areas such as agricultural economics, veterinary services, or general farming.

11. Environmental Science

With the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation, one would assume that environmental science graduates have a wide array of job opportunities. However, in Kenya, this is not the case. The country's environmental sector is still underdeveloped, and while there is increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability issues, the infrastructure for environmental science careers remains limited. Most job opportunities in this field are concentrated within NGOs or government agencies, which are often oversubscribed and underfunded. Environmental science graduates may find themselves in roles that do not fully utilize their expertise, such as general administrative work or community outreach programs. Moreover, many of the environmental projects in Kenya are driven by international organizations, and securing such positions often requires additional qualifications or experience in international development. The lack of local private sector involvement in environmental initiatives further diminishes the career prospects for graduates in this field.

12. Psychology and Counseling

Mental health is an increasingly important topic in Kenya, but the country lacks sufficient infrastructure to support a large number of psychology and counseling graduates. While the demand for mental health services is growing, especially in urban areas, there are few formal institutions capable of absorbing the influx of psychology graduates. Many find themselves working in volunteer or low-paying positions, often in non-governmental organizations or community-based groups, where the focus is more on social work than clinical psychology. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Kenya means that psychological services are underutilized, reducing job opportunities for those trained in this field. To improve their employment prospects, many psychology graduates must pursue further studies, such as a master’s or doctorate, which can be financially prohibitive. Others are forced to transition into related fields like human resources, life coaching, or teaching to find more stable employment.

13. Political Science

Political science is the study of political systems, public policy, and governmental processes. While Kenya's political scene is vibrant and complex, political science graduates face limited career opportunities. Outside of academia or public administration, few sectors actively seek political science graduates. Those interested in entering politics often find that the route to success requires extensive networks, practical experience, or engagement in political parties, rather than academic qualifications. Additionally, public service jobs, which would traditionally employ political science graduates, have become increasingly competitive and offer limited openings. Many political science graduates end up working in unrelated fields such as journalism, research for NGOs, or international relations, though even these roles are limited. The reality is that without further specialization, such as a law degree or advanced political consultancy, political science graduates struggle to find positions that directly align with their studies.

14. Criminology

Criminology, the study of crime, law enforcement, and criminal behavior, seems like a degree with high relevance, given the rising crime rates and security concerns in Kenya. However, criminology graduates often find that the job market does not match their expectations. Law enforcement agencies, such as the police, prioritize practical experience and internal training programs over formal criminology degrees, meaning that many graduates are overlooked for positions within these institutions. Additionally, the private security industry, although large, tends to hire individuals with backgrounds in business management or ex-military personnel rather than criminology graduates. Many criminology students also aspire to work in crime prevention or rehabilitation programs, but the funding and infrastructure for such initiatives are limited in Kenya. As a result, many graduates are forced to pursue careers outside their field of study, such as in administrative roles or unrelated sectors, to secure employment.

15. Sports Science

Sports science involves studying the physiological, psychological, and biomechanical aspects of athletic performance. While Kenya is renowned for its athletic prowess, particularly in long-distance running, the sports industry remains underdeveloped. Opportunities for sports science graduates are limited to elite sports teams, sports academies, or fitness centers, but even these roles are few and highly competitive. The majority of sports-related jobs in Kenya do not require specialized sports science degrees, as they often prioritize practical coaching experience or business management skills for running sports organizations. Additionally, the lack of widespread sports infrastructure, funding, and governmental support further reduces the job market for sports science graduates. Many graduates find themselves working as personal trainers or in fitness centers, where the pay is often low, and the career growth is minimal. For those who are passionate about the field, finding sustainable, long-term employment in sports science in Kenya can be quite challenging.

The Problem with Oversaturated Markets

Many of the most useless courses in Kenya face the same underlying issue: an oversaturated market. Too many students are enrolling in these programs, while the job market remains too small to absorb them. The gap between the supply of graduates and the demand from employers is widening, leaving many highly educated individuals unemployed or underemployed.

Limited Industry Demand

Courses like animal husbandry and meteorology are niche, with limited industry demand. Kenya’s economy is driven more by agriculture, ICT, and manufacturing, leaving those who pursue specialized courses with fewer job opportunities.

Career Shifts and Further Education

Many graduates from the courses listed above end up pursuing further education or certifications in unrelated fields. For instance, mass media graduates may move into marketing or public relations, while psychology graduates might transition into human resources. These career shifts often require additional time and financial investment, further complicating graduates’ journeys to stable employment.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Q: Why are these courses considered "useless"?
A: These courses are considered "useless" due to low job prospects, oversaturation in the market, or limited industry demand in Kenya.

Q: Should I avoid pursuing these courses entirely?
A: Not necessarily. If you have a passion for any of these fields, you may still find ways to build a fulfilling career. However, it’s important to consider the market realities and be open to diversifying your skills.

Q: What alternatives are available?
A: Consider courses in high-demand fields such as ICT, engineering, or healthcare. These industries offer more opportunities for employment in Kenya.

Q: What should I do if I’ve already graduated from one of these courses?
A: Consider gaining practical experience through internships, pursuing further education in a different field, or gaining certifications in complementary areas such as project management or IT skills.

Key Takeaways

• Many "useless" courses in Kenya are oversaturated or have limited industry demand.

• Graduates from these fields often have to pursue additional education or shift to other industries.

• Students should consider the employability of their chosen course before enrolling.

Conclusion

Choosing the right course is critical in ensuring a successful career in Kenya. While passion and interest are important, it is equally important to consider the job market, industry demand, and potential career paths. The most useless courses in Kenya are not entirely without merit, but they often leave graduates with fewer job opportunities and difficult career choices.