In Kenya today, the moment a young graduate walks out of the university gates, the world seems to slam the doors of dignity and fair compensation shut. The anticipation of entering the job market quickly turns into a battle against exploitation. They are told to be grateful, even when paid peanuts. And they accept it—because the alternative is often worse: unemployment.
This has become the silent compromise many fresh graduates are forced to make.
A Market That Feeds on Desperation
The economic imbalance in Kenya has created a breeding ground for opportunism. Companies, small businesses, and even government entities now routinely offer graduates salaries as low as Ksh 5,000–15,000 per month, with no benefits, no job security, and an unspoken expectation to “work like they are being paid millions.” When a graduate questions the unfair pay, they are met with, “There are ten others waiting for this chance.” And just like that, desperation replaces negotiation.
Many young people accept these offers simply because they have no choice. Some are the first in their families to get a degree. Others carry the weight of expectations from parents who sacrificed everything to educate them. It’s heartbreaking that after years of burning the midnight oil, they end up working underpaid roles—some as interns for years—with nothing to show for it.
The Psychological Toll of Being Undervalued
Low pay is not just a financial issue—it eats away at the soul. Graduates begin to question their self-worth. They shrink their dreams, avoid social gatherings, and live in survival mode. I’ve seen peers who once brimmed with ambition now fall into depression and hopelessness, not because they lacked talent, but because society decided they were only worth a fraction of their effort.
Even more disturbing is how normalized this exploitation has become. Many institutions have created a system where underpaying workers is not just accepted but expected. “You’re lucky to even have a job,” they say. But luck should never be the reason someone tolerates injustice.
A Generation Forced to Settle
The long-term effects of this problem are dangerous. It creates a generation of workers who don’t believe in their value. A generation that sees jobs as a favor, not a right. A generation forced to settle for less, not because they lack ability, but because the system is rigged to keep them struggling.
It also encourages brain drain. Many talented youth are fleeing the country or pivoting to informal gigs and side hustles, abandoning their academic paths altogether. When hard work is not rewarded, talent seeks recognition elsewhere.
We Deserve More Than ‘Exposure’
Young people are often told to “gain experience” and accept low pay now for better opportunities later. But exposure doesn’t pay rent. Experience doesn’t buy food. The truth is that dignity in work starts with fair compensation. If someone is competent enough to be hired, they deserve to be paid what they’re worth.
It’s time we stop glorifying struggle and start questioning a culture that preys on people’s desperation.
This is not just about income—it’s about justice, dignity, and creating a fairer society. Young graduates are not asking for luxury; they’re asking for livable wages, respect, and the opportunity to build a life. They deserve more than just “something to keep them busy.” They deserve careers that reward their sacrifice and education.
Let’s raise our voices. Let’s call out exploitative employers. And let’s build a culture where no graduate has to choose between being broke or being used.
