STEM PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS AND LABOUR MARKET OUTCOMES OF GRADUATES OF NATIONAL POLYTECHNICS IN KENYA

Abstract

Recent developments and focus on technical education in Kenya have witnessed exponential growth in student enrolment, funding as well as increased number of TVET institutions. Training in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs in these institutions aims at increasing creativity, innovativeness, and entrepreneurial activities that would address the industry skill gap, unemployment and reduce job search duration among graduates. However, unemployment among the youth in Kenya continues to be a persistent problem. The global youth unemployment stands at 5.8% while in Kenya, youth unemployment increased from 7.31% in 2016 to 13.84% in 2022. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of STEM program characteristics on the labour market outcomes of graduates of selected national polytechnics (NPs) in Kenya. The study’s specific objectives were to establish the effect of the; nature of STEM academic programs, the level of STEM academic programs, the academic field of study, and STEM academic program’s teaching resources on the labour market outcomes of graduates. The study was anchored on the job search and job competition theories. Based on pragmatic philosophical underpinning, the study adopted a mixed method approach utilizing a sequential explanatory design. The study targeted the 2016 cohort of STEM NPs graduates, 11 registrars, and 11 office of careers services officers. Stratified simple random sampling, snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to get the sample population. A sample size of 1834 respondents was sampled from a target population of 21151. Telephone interviews, focus group discussions, and interview schedules were used to collect data. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Logistic regression model, multinomial logistic regression, survival analysis, and structural equation model tools for inferential statistics were adopted. Findings revealed that graduates who pursued modular programs had a higher hazard rate compared with non-modular. Through the interview, it was revealed that shift towards modular courses is driven by the need to align training with industry demands and the evolving workforce. The employment survival probabilities of graduates reduced to 22% over the 65 months. The diploma graduates exhibited a higher hazard rate compared to other certification levels. Respondents with higher diploma and craft certification had a median time to employment of approximately 52 months (95% CI: 49.4-54.6), while those with artisan certificate had a median time of approximately 62 months (95% CI: 58.9 65.1). The time to employment varied significantly across the four certification levels. Focussed Group Discussion revealed that practical skills and personal attributes are crucial for securing employment in technical fields. Employers, particularly in the private sector, value hands-on experience and practical competencies more than academic qualifications. Job seekers need to demonstrate both mastery of skills and confidence in their abilities to be successful. Training Resources had a significant indirect effect on Employment category (β = 0.169, T = 7.272, P = 0.000. The study concludes that the nature of STEM academic programs significantly affects labour market outcomes for graduates, with modular programs leading to higher earnings and faster job placements compared to non-modular programs. Diploma graduates also experience better job prospects, with a higher hazard rate for employment. The academic field of study impacts earnings, with graduates from Health Sciences, Agriculture & Environmental Studies, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering earning more than those from other fields. Improved accessibility to educational resources is linked to better employment outcomes. The study recommends improvement of employment outcomes for STEM graduates in order to promote self-employment by offering entrepreneurial training and resources, and to create a supportive environment for the public and private sectors to absorb more youth. Training institutions should facilitate academic progression from Artisan to Craft to Diploma levels. Expanding job placement services with personalized support, such as resume writing and interview preparation, can reduce job search duration.