Senator Thang'wa: We received over 500 applications for photographer position

The office of Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has received more than 500 applications for a single photographer and video editor position.

The senator said the recruitment exercise attracted 576 applications for the lone vacancy that had been advertised earlier this year.

According to the senator’s office, 533 of the applicants were men while 43 were women, reflecting an overwhelming response to the opportunity.

“We have since received a total of 576 applications, 533 from male applicants and 43 from female applicants for a single vacancy. Let me repeat that for emphasis. Nearly 600 qualified young Kenyans applied for a single job opportunity. These numbers are not just remarkable; they are a strong signal of the scale of youth unemployment in the country. Nearly 600 qualified young Kenyans are competing for one job. This is a situation to address, not a statistic to brag about,” Thang'wa said.

The position, advertised on January 25, sought a photographer and video editor responsible for documenting public interest activities, including events that may occur in volatile environments.

However, the senator said the number of applications received has drawn attention to the broader challenge of youth unemployment in the country.

“These numbers are not just remarkable; they are a strong signal of the scale of youth unemployment in the country,” the statement noted.

He said youth unemployment continues to be one of Kenya’s most pressing economic challenges, with many graduates and skilled young professionals struggling to secure stable jobs.

The senator said the response to the job posting demonstrates both the depth of talent among Kenyan youth and the urgent need to expand employment opportunities.

While only one candidate will ultimately be hired, the office said the applications will remain part of a talent pool that could be considered for future opportunities.

In January, Senator Thang’wa sparked public debate after sharing a controversial job advertisement from his office seeking to hire a photographer and video editor.

The job requirements carried overt political messaging and reflect the increasingly tense political climate in the country.

In a post shared online, the senator announced that his office was recruiting a photographer and videographer, urging interested applicants to carefully read and understand the listed requirements before applying.

“My office is hiring. Please ensure you read and understand all requirements and instructions carefully before applying,” the senator said.

The advertisement described the role as one requiring courage, resilience and the ability to work under extreme conditions.

Among the stated requirements were that the applicant should not be afraid of police and teargas, not afraid of goons and police squad, and capable of operating a camera with one hand while navigating and responding to danger with the other.

The advert further stated that the successful candidate must be ready to take photos and videos “through commotion and chaos,” remain calm under pressure and tight deadlines, and possess a strong, creative and professional portfolio.

It added that experience is not mandatory, noting that a willing learner would be considered.

The language used in the advert drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a blunt reflection of the realities faced by political aides and media professionals covering opposition activities, while others criticised it as inflammatory and unnecessarily provocative.