Kisii University Graduate Takes Airport Security Role Amidst Kenya’s Growing Youth Unemployment Crisis

Jackson Mbuthia, a 24-year-old Public Administration graduate, shares his journey of working as a JKIA security guard while searching for a professional career.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:41 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

The Paradox of Academic Achievement and Economic Reality

For many Kenyan youths, the acquisition of a university degree is increasingly becoming a symbol of academic pride rather than a guaranteed entry into the professional workforce. Jackson Mbuthia, a Naivasha native, recently completed his studies in Public Administration and Political Science at Kisii University, a milestone typically associated with white-collar career prospects. However, the current labor market in Kenya presents a starkly different trajectory for graduates, forcing many to navigate a landscape where vacancies in specialized fields are exceptionally scarce and competition is fierce.

Transitioning from Public Administration to Airport Security

Since May 2025, Mbuthia has donned the uniform of a security guard at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a role that stands in sharp contrast to his academic training. Earning a monthly stipend of KSh 12,000, he describes the position as an honest alternative to remaining unemployed and dependent on others. According to Mbuthia, the decision to accept this role was driven by the immediate need for survival, asserting that life does not wait for professional openings to materialize.

Cultivating Professional Discipline Through Unrelated Labor

Despite the obvious mismatch between his degree and his current duties, Mbuthia maintains that the experience is an essential component of his personal development. He insists that no job is too small and that his time at the airport has instilled in him a heightened sense of discipline, patience, and responsibility. For Mbuthia, these foundational traits are building the character necessary for his future career, transforming a perceived setback into a practical education in resilience and work ethic.