EMBRACING TALENT AND PASSION

It was once perceived that the only way to succeed in life is through education. The perception has therefore lead to the ignorance of talent and passion. Todate, Kenyan universities are churning out large numbers of graduates, who in real sense cannot fit into the job market. Most of these graduates are half-baked since the curriculum designed is more theoretical and does not align with the current practical job market. My university professor once said this during his lecture session, “It is not about getting good grades, it’s about understanding the concept and applying it in the real world scene; to make a worldly difference. That is how you become successful.” Professor Githira’s wise words were cast and engraved deeply in my mind, moulding me into a new brand; Johnny Microbiologist.

Today, co-curriculum activities have displayed tremendous change among youths in Kenya. Vicmass LuoDollar aka Ochienga Victor Ondeye, a former snacks and soft drinks hawker in Nairobi is a good example of how talent can alleviate human suffering. The excellent Bank Otuch hit-maker struggled to survive and faced many difficulties in the initial stages of his current sweet musical career, while living in the Nairobi’s Kibera shanties. Octopizzo had to quit school in form one due to lack of finances. Now with his songs being very popular in the hip-hop category, he can now employ ‘certified’ university graduates and take care of his family. Vicmass LuoDollar has risen from rags to riches and therefore he encourages senior African artists to support their fellows who have potential in music.

A young person in Kenya has three options of breaking out poverty or becoming financially independent: education, entrepreneurship and talent. In accordance with the Kenya National Bureau and Statistics (KNBS), the number of formal jobs decreased from 19% in 2009 to 16% in 2017. The number of informal jobs has increased from 81% to 83% in the respective years. Therefore, a typical young person using the route of education will experience setbacks when it comes to finding a formal job. The few opportunities available are only limited to those who have real connection in the corporate world. In Adam smith book, The Wealth of Nations, notes that talents are not scarce as they seem. People have talents only that they restrain from using them because they are not convinced that the returns can be high.

Discover what you can do best today. Gone are the days when education was the key, talent is the key.