BY RITA MUTHONI
Being forced into career paths by parents has been linked to a major cause of poor academic performance, frustration, and rising mental health issues among students in Embu County.
Speaking during a career mentorship forum at the University of Embu, student leaders said that parental pressure to pursue so-called “marketable courses” is taking a toll on learners who feel trapped in careers they are neither passionate about nor suited for.
Embu County Comrades Association (ECCA) president Kelvin Murithi said many students end up regretting their choices, with some performing poorly due to a lack of interest.
“Students who follow careers chosen for them often struggle, leading to stress, dissatisfaction, and even mental health problems,” Murithi said.
He encouraged students to pursue fields aligned with their talents and interests, including technical and digital skills, to adapt to the fast-changing job market.
“With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many traditional jobs are disappearing. Students must acquire skills that make them competitive in the digital era,” he added.
ECCA Chairperson Lawrence Gitonga emphasized that the current job market values skills over academic prestige.
“Degrees are important, but practical skills are what drive employment today. Many young people are jobless not because they didn’t study, but because they studied the wrong thing,” said Gitonga.
He urged both parents and students to seek career advice from professionals instead of relying on outdated expectations or societal pressure.
The forum, which attracted over 100 students, was hailed by organizers who called for more such sessions to empower youth with knowledge for informed career decisions.
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