Decoding the Strathmore Edge in Kenya’s Competitive Job Market

A recent online debate has ignited discussions about perceived disparities in the Kenyan job market, specifically why graduates from well-off families, particularly those from elite institutions like Strathmore University, often appear to fare better than their counterparts from other public universities.

The conversation, sparked on social media, delves into various factors believed to contribute to this trend.

The discourse on X began when one user, @JumaCJ1, asked a question, wanting to know “Why do Strathmore graduates tend to do better than others in the job market? Is that curriculum special?”

Another User, @ Dialmaterialist retweeted the post, adding, “Why do graduates who come from wealthy and connected families fare better in the job market? I guess we'll never know.”

The Role of Family Background and Connections

Many contributors to the online discussion highlighted the significant advantage offered by a privileged family background. It was suggested that families with resources do not rely on the government to create jobs.

Instead, they possess networks that can directly facilitate employment opportunities for their children.

"Their families do not depend on government to create jobs, and their families know people who know people who know people...that alone is enough to get them jobs," @bobjohnrealtor opined.  

Another perspective stemmed from the concept of "social capital," suggesting that coming from an upper-class income family provides a substantial competitive edge in securing decent employment.

@Mithika_Mohaa: “Coming from an upper-class income family is a great competitive advantage in joining such institutions and getting a decent employment. Also, the social capital is high in such avenues.”

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It was also argued that students from well-off families have the financial cushion to undertake unpaid internships or work without pay, a luxury not available to those from less privileged backgrounds.

@kingori_m: “When someone comes from a well-off family, they have the cushion to attend(unpaid) internships or tarmac without growing weary because someone has their back. Those from the village do not have access to or internetto search opportunitiesapplication.”

The Strathmore Advantage: Skills Beyond Academics

The debate frequently circled back to Strathmore University, with many questioning if its curriculum holds a special edge.

A user, @drmakolo, who claimed to have taught Computer Science at both Strathmore University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), weighed in, stating that both programs attract top-tier students.

However, @drmakolo emphasized that the real advantage, or "hedge," lies in "soft skills". He highlighted Strathmore University's strict adherence to etiquette, mannerisms, and dress code as a crucial factor.

"There's a reason why StrathU is strict on etiquette, mannerism, and dress code. People hire only those they can work with," he stated.

It was also observed that communication and software skills are paramount, with brilliance coming secondary in many multinational corporations.    

Broader Societal Issues

Some participants linked the discussion to wider societal issues. One user pondered if the phenomenon pointed to children of the elite being "nepotically put into corporate Kenya," leading to a stagnant nation.