Kelvin Osore: Kenyatta University Graduate Who Earned First-Class Honours in BSc Mathematics, Now Pulling Mkokoteni to Make a Living

There is always a notion that a higher level of education can provide someone with a broader perspective on the job market, industry trends, and employer expectations.

This knowledge will help individuals develop a strategic approach to their job search, making them more attractive to potential employers.

However, that wasn’t the case for Kelvin Makachia Osore, who, despite earning a first-class honours degree from Kenyatta University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, has now turned to pushing a cart for survival.

In an interview with The Standard, Makachia claimed that after sending applications to more than 200 companies and personally visiting numerous establishments in the Industrial area, he found himself in a disheartening situation – a graduate with a degree but no job prospects.

“The many months I have “tarmacked” and struggled have been utterly disappointing to my family and me, especially my mother, who is regretting why he took a loan to educate me at the university.”

Undeterred by the lack of opportunities, Makachia made a decision that would set the course for his unconventional journey.

Instead of succumbing to the frustration of unemployment, he chose to leverage his resourcefulness.

“Since I knew somebody who could lend me a cart, I decided that I will start vending water and carrying luggage for needy clients such as stall owners in Soweto area,” he said.

Waking up at 4 am became a routine as he collected water from school boreholes in Soweto, delivering it to residents in need at a fee of 20 shillings per jerrican.

On a good day, he could pocket up to Sh900 in profit, a far cry from the uncertainty that loomed during his months of job hunting.

As Makachia continues to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, his story serves as an inspiration to many facing similar circumstances.

He  may not have found the formal employment he sought, but in the process, he discovered the strength to craft his own narrative and thrive amidst adversity.