Page 33 - EdSource Issue No02

Education & Skills Development 33

INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA

LINKAGES OR LEAKAGES?

TIME TO RESURFACE THE

LONG-STANDING DEBATE

DR EHUD GACHUGU

A conversation with Dennis, a
graphic design and an advertising
expert, along with other testimonials
from graduates, got me wondering
if we are experiencing Industry-
Academia linkages or leakages. Like
other graduates, Dennis was very
optimistic when he joined one of the
leading universities in Kenya to study
graphic design and advertising.
The orientation in the first year
inspired him more, and he could
easily see a bright future ahead. The
theoretical work offered in school
was excellent; however, he feels
that there are limited opportunities
for practicing what is taught in
school. He emphasizes that the
three months’ industrial attachment
does not guarantee that one is ready
for the job market. He adds that at
times, the tasks one takes during
the attachment are not fulfilling
as they may not be in line with the
student’s career. He asserts that he
has obtained most of his graphic
design and advertising skills from
YouTube and constantly advances
them for a competitive advantage
in the continuously changing job
market. After graduation, he applied
for formal employment with no
success since most organizations
avoid hiring fresh graduates. The
situation is saddening and mirrors
many other graduates floundering
with joblessness due to lack of work
experience and opportunity to
transition after their education and

EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021