Many university graduates have always held the belief that through education, one will end up successful by securing a well-paying job related to the university courses they undertook.
However, things didn’t go well for Stephen Riungu, a well-educated man who, despite reaching the university level with hopes of landing a teaching job in any secondary school, found himself in the neighboring country of Uganda, selling a popular brew called Busaa—an African alcoholic drink made from sorghum, maize, or millet flour.
After years of hard work and dedication, Stephen graduated with a first-class honors degree in English and Literature in English from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi in 2014.
However, he found himself facing the daunting prospect of unemployment.
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) further compounded his challenges by withholding a job opportunity despite legally pursuing both a diploma and a bachelor’s degree.
”TSC couldn’t provide me with the number after I applied, submitted my documents, and paid the fee. This was because I had been admitted for a diploma at Tangaza College with an aggregate of C- in KCSE.” Stephen recalled.
Undeterred, Stephen embarked on different ways to secure employment where he went to different territories in search of a stable job.
Teaching in Tanzania, however, proved to be less than ideal due to unfavorable working conditions and the requirement to pay for a work permit.
“I have been struggling up and down, even teaching in Tanzania. However, the working conditions weren’t favorable because of the requirement to pay for the work permit. This circumstance led me to work as a volunteer without pay,” he recalled.
As life’s challenges escalated, Stephen’s journey to secure employment led him to Uganda, where he took up an unexpected occupation – selling local brew,Busaa.
”I am wondering how life is unfair since I was legally admitted and completed my three-year diploma program before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in education where i graduated with First-Class Honors.”
He appealed to potential employers or good Samaritans, expressing that he is ready to take on any work, even if it meant menial labor
“I have made several attempts to apply for jobs, but I haven’t received any response. I am kindly requesting that if a good Samaritan comes across this, they can hire me for any work, even if it means menial work.”He implored .
