Kenyan graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to secure formal employment, with a significant majority of new jobs created in the informal sector. This trend indicates that academic degrees alone are no longer a guarantee of economic stability.

• 822,100 new jobs were created in Kenya in 2025 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), with nearly 90% being in the informal sector.
• Kenya's formal employment share has fallen from 18.5% in 2010 to 15.5% in 2024.
• Experts suggest a disconnect between education and employment needs, with employers now prioritizing digital skills, communication, innovation, and practical experience over certificates.