In a viral moment that captured the struggles of many job seekers, Caliph Kirui took to the streets with a placard, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology & Biotech from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s in Public Health from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Little did he know that this bold move would change the trajectory of his life.
Having graduated in December 2022, Kirui embarked on an exhaustive job search, facing the harsh reality of unemployment that many recent graduates encounter.
Frustrated but undeterred, he decided to try a different approach – raising awareness about his job search by hitting the streets.
The turning point came when Catherine Kyobutungi, the Executive Director of the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), spotted Kirui’s unique job-seeking strategy.
Recognizing his qualifications, she offered him an internship opportunity at APHRC.
Kirui’s journey at APHRC began with a three-month internship. Following the internship, he took on roles as a field interviewer and a temporary research officer before finally securing a permanent position as an early career researcher at the Chronic Diseases Management Unit (CDM) within APHRC.
Reflecting on his experience, Kirui expressed gratitude for the mentorship, supportive colleagues, and countless learning opportunities at APHRC.
“Looking back, I am grateful that I made the right choice to take up the APHRC opportunity,” he said.
Adding, “The work environment is amazing, full of mentorship, supportive colleagues, and innumerable opportunities for learning and growth. It is impossible for a determined and disciplined person to fail at APHRC.
“I am grateful for the chance that APHRC gave me to prove myself and contribute to the Center’s goals,’’.
To jobless graduates still navigating the challenging job market, Kirui offered words of encouragement, urging them to persevere and maintain hope.
