An Assessment of Factors Influencing the Choice of Jobs of Technical, Vocational, Education and Training Graduates: A Case of Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan government has recognized the importance and the need for establishing TVET institutions in the effort to promote economic and technological development in the country. The study aimed to assess the factors influencing choice of jobs of TVET graduates using Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County as case study area. Its objectives were to establish the jobs held by TVET graduates, analyze the factors that influenced the choice of jobs for TVET graduates, examine the challenges faced by TVET graduates and suggest recommendations to encounter the challenges faced. The study employed a descriptive research design and used snow ball sampling to select a sample size of 82 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and thematic analysis respectively. From the findings, 45(53%) of the respondents were self-employed and this represented those graduates who were doing some work to earn a living irrespective of what they were trained in. Concerning the courses taken, 50(59%) of the respondents noted that the courses they pursued in TVET Colleges did not have any relationship with their current jobs, while 35(41%) said their jobs are related to what they studied at TVET College. The study concluded that learners did not fully engage in the courses they trained in. Instead sought employment in any area where opportunities were available for employment. Those who wanted to be self-employed lacked funds to start their own business. Further it was concluded that learners were limited in their ability to take initiative. They were not confident to compete in the job market. The study recommended that there should be enhanced provision of more incentives for example financial credit to trainee graduates to empower them in setting up businesses of their choice immediately after graduation. Also institutions should provide career guidance to the trainees to make informed choices concerning the job market.