Institutional Type and Graduate Employability in Kenya: A Comparative Study of Public and Private University Graduates

Abstract

This study compared the employment outcomes of bachelor’s degree graduates from public and private universities in Kenya, addressing a critical gap in how well graduates align with labour market requirements. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the study determined a sample of 1,067 graduates using Cochran’s formula and selected them through stratified proportionate sampling by university ownership, followed by simple random sampling within each institution. The study focused on an institutional population comprising 20,922 graduates from five chartered universities: the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Mount Kenya University, and Kabarak University. Data collection yielded 955 valid respondents, distributed between public and private university graduates. Graduate employability was assessed using indicators such as employment status, time taken to secure the first job, and the likelihood of self-employment. The findings showed that only 39.0 per cent of graduates were employed or self-employed, while 39.2 per cent remained unemployed. Graduates from private universities showed significantly better employability outcomes, including shorter job-search durations and higher rates of self-employment, than their counterparts from public universities. The results suggest structural inefficiencies within public universities, where limited industry engagement and an oversupply of graduates in low-demand fields reduce competitiveness. The study recommends strengthening university-industry partnerships, enhancing experiential learning, and reviewing curricula to improve graduate readiness and facilitate smoother school-to-work transitions.