“Being unemployed in this economy is one of the most frustrating experiences for many young people today. You go for interviews and get told you’re overqualified. The next one tells you you’re underqualified. It’s like no matter where you go, you are never the ‘right fit’, then when you finally get the opportunity, you end up being paid peanuts, yet you are expected to survive.”
Her message reflects the growing concern among young people who feel stuck in a cycle of applications, interviews, and rejections, with no clear direction on what employers truly expect from them.
Keicy Smiles //Instagram
Pressure After Finally Getting a Job Opportunity
Keicy also pointed out that even when young people eventually secure employment, the pay is often too low compared to the cost of living and the responsibilities they carry.
She suggested that this creates additional pressure, especially for fresh graduates and entry-level workers trying to become financially independent.
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A Reflection of Wider Youth Concerns
Her post has added to ongoing conversations on social media about unemployment and job market challenges.
Many young people regularly share similar experiences, citing repeated rejection or jobs that do not match their qualifications or expectations.
The discussion continues to highlight concerns about hiring standards, limited entry-level opportunities, and rising competition in the job market, particularly in urban areas where many graduates are seeking employment.
Keicy Smiles’ message has resonated with many who say her words reflect their daily struggles and frustrations in trying to secure stable and fairly paying work.
The Reality Behind Influencing: Promise, Pressure and Uncertain Pay in Kenya’s Digital Economy
Influencing has become a popular income path for many young Kenyans, driven by the rise of social media and increased brand investment in digital advertising.
While reports suggest the industry generated over KSh 1 billion in 2025, with top creators earning millions from brand deals, these figures remain widely debated by content creators who argue that earnings are often exaggerated and inconsistent.
Many influencers depend heavily on partnerships rather than platform revenue, meaning income can fluctuate depending on visibility, trends, and brand interest.
As a result, while influencing appears lucrative from the outside, the reality for most creators is far less stable, with many treating it as a side hustle rather than a guaranteed source of income.
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