MMUST Champions Informed Career Decision-Making Among High School Learners to Boost Their Success in University and Future Careers.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has intensified its efforts to bridge the career guidance gap among high school students. On 9th and 10th May 2025, a team from the University, led by the Director of Career Services, Prof. Robert Egessa, participated in a career fair at the Jomo Kenyatta Boys High School in Nakuru County. The event targeted Form Three and Four students from across the region, offering timely mentorship and sensitization aimed at equipping them with the relevant information, to make informed career choices as they prepare to transition into higher education and, eventually, the workforce. The MMUST team reached over 1000 students from 15 secondary schools.
A section of students keenly following the presentations.
Speaking to the students, Prof. Robert Egessa urged them to move beyond surface-level course selection and understand what each academic program truly offers in relation to market demands. “Some University programs may have appealing titles, but it is the underlying skills, industry relevance, and future potential that determines your success as a graduate. I urge you to research thoroughly, analyze trends, and choose courses that will not only get you into universities, but also keep you relevant in the ever-evolving workforce,” he advised.
Additionally, Prof. Egessa encouraged the students to choose courses that align with their abilities rather than relying solely on KCSE performance. He noted that many of them struggle at university because KUCCPS placements often mismatch their strengths. He also cautioned against exam malpractice, stating that it undermines genuine capability and contributes to high drop-out rates while at the University.“Know your strengths, trust them, and use your time in high school wisely. Admission based on merit sets you up for success,” he added.
MMUST’s Director of Career Services, Prof. Robert Egessa and the marketing Officer, Mr. James Mureithi during a courtesy visit to the School Principal, Mr. Philip Waweru.
Reiterating, the MMUST Marketing Officer, Mr. James Mureithi highlighted MMUST’s innovative approach in its academic programming. He emphasized the University’s commitment to addressing industry needs through targeted course development. “At MMUST, we proactively identify skills gaps in the job market and design academic programs that respond to these gaps. This has led to the development of unique courses that equip our graduates with specialized, market-ready skills. As a result, our students not only secure employment with greater ease but are also empowered to create jobs within these specialized fields,” he noted.
MMUST Customer Care Assistant, Mr. Daudi Kioko engaging students at the event.
The School Principal, Mr. Philip Waweru, commended MMUST’s approach and affirmed his school’s commitment to transparency in academic performance across Forms two, three, and four. He raised concern over students being placed into University courses for which they are ill-prepared, an issue that, in some cases, has led to frustration and even involvement in drugs and alcohol due to pursuing programs misaligned with their strengths and interests.
The Jomo Kenyatta High School Principal, Mr. Philip Waweru.
Speaking during an interview, the Head of Careers Department at the Jomo Kenyatta Boys High School, Mr. Kirwa Daniel, underscored the need for direct engagement between universities and high school students. He noted that many students perceive teachers merely as classroom instructors, leading to a lack of receptiveness to career guidance. “This disconnect has resulted in high-performing students missing out on suitable university programs due to inadequate advice,” he explained, appealing to universities to channel mentorship programs directly to schools to ensure that students receive the necessary guidance to make informed decisions about their future academic and career paths.
Students follow presentations at the career fair.
Other participating universities included Daystar University, Kenya Utalii College, Pan Africa Christian University, University of Eldoret, University of Nairobi, International Leadership University, Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (Regional Centre Training Institute), Kenya Institute of Social Work, Egerton University and the Kiambu National Polytechnic.
Certainly, MMUST’s proactive, student-centered approach to youth development is commendable! Through initiatives like mentorship programs and career fairs, the University continues to equip students with the tools to make informed academic and career choices, nurturing skilled, purpose-driven graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development.
By Caren Nekesa
