Ever heard your cousin say they’re studying Business Management and you think, “Hata mimi niko hiyo course”? That feeling is what we mean by a “flooded” course. It’s when too many students are chasing the same qualification.
We’ll break down the real impact on your job hunt, salary, and even your campus experience. Knowing this helps you make a smarter choice for your future, especially in our competitive Kenyan job market.
What Does a “Flooded Course” Actually Mean?
In simple terms, a course is considered “flooded” when the number of graduates it produces each year far exceeds the available job opportunities in that field. A common misconception is that it only happens with arts courses; the truth is, even popular science and business programmes can be oversubscribed. The real issue isn’t the course name, but the imbalance between supply and demand in the job market.
The KCSE Points and University Placement Trap
Many students get pushed into these courses during KUCCPS placement because they had the grades for it, not necessarily a passion for it. For instance, a student with a B+ might be placed in a Bachelor of Commerce programme at a public university because it’s available, even if their interest lies elsewhere. This system contributes to the flood, as thousands take the same path by default.
The Critical Graduate-to-Jobs Ratio
To gauge if a course is flooded, look at the graduate-to-jobs ratio. For a field like mass communication, Kenya might produce over 5,000 graduates annually, but the media and communications industry absorbs only a fraction. When the number of qualified candidates is ten times higher than the annual job openings, you’re looking at a highly flooded and competitive field.
How a Flooded Course Affects Your Career Path in Kenya
The impact hits hardest after graduation, during the job search. You’re not just competing on talent, but against a massive pool of equally qualified candidates. This reality shapes your starting salary, career progression, and even your ability to get that crucial first job.
Here are the key ways it plays out in the Kenyan job market:
- Depressed Entry-Level Salaries: With so many graduates, employers can offer lower starting pay. A role that might have paid KES 70,000 a few years ago could now be advertised at KES 40,000 because many are willing to accept it just to get a foot in the door.
- The “Experience” Catch-22: You’ll see countless ads on BrighterMonday or Fuzu requiring “2-3 years experience” for entry-level roles. This is a direct filter because the supply of fresh graduates is too high. Getting that initial internship or attachment becomes a fierce battle.
- Longer Job Search Periods: Be prepared for a job hunt that lasts months, not weeks. You might need to rely on side hustles or further short courses on platforms like eCitizen to stay afloat while sending out hundreds of applications.
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions About Choosing a Course
Mistake 1: Following the “Hype” Blindly
Many students chase courses like Computer Science or Law just because they sound prestigious or friends are doing them. The correct approach is to research the specific specializations within that field that are in demand, like cybersecurity or environmental law, rather than the generic degree.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Technical and Vocational Training (TVET)
There’s a stubborn belief that a university degree is always superior. In reality, a flooded B.A. Might leave you jobless, while a skilled artisan from a TVET institute with a certificate in solar installation or automotive engineering often finds work faster. Don’t look down on practical skills.
Mistake 3: Assuming All Universities Offer the Same Value
Thinking a degree in Business Administration from any institution holds equal weight is a trap. Employers often value the industry connections, internship programs, and alumni networks of specific universities. A course might be flooded nationally, but graduates from certain schools still get picked first.
Mistake 4: Overlooking the Power of a Minor or Side Hustle
You assume your degree alone will save you. In a flooded market, your differentiator is what else you can do. Combine your main degree with a minor in data analysis, digital marketing skills, or a certified course from the Kenya School of Government. This creates a unique hybrid profile.
Practical Steps to Navigate a Flooded Course in Kenya
If you’re already in or considering a popular course, don’t panic. Your strategy must be proactive. The key is to build a unique profile that makes you stand out from the thousands of other graduates. This requires using local resources smartly and timing your moves right.
First, Use government portals for certified skills. While pursuing your degree, register for a short, practical course on the eCitizen platform under the TVET or HELB sections. Courses like project management or basic accounting software certification cost between KES 5,000 and KES 15,000 and add immense value to your CV.
Second, time your internship applications strategically. Don’t wait for the end-of-year rush when every student is applying. Target the off-peak seasons, like early October or mid-January, when companies have fewer applicants. Use your university’s career office connections, but also directly contact companies listed on the Kenya Association of Manufacturers or Kenya Private Sector Alliance websites.
Finally, network in the right spaces. Attend industry events, even free webinars hosted by the Kenya Institute of Management. In Kenya, a referral from someone inside a company often carries more weight than a perfect online application. Start building those relationships early in your second or third year.
The Bottom Line
Yes, a flooded course matters because it directly shapes your job hunt and earning potential. However, it doesn’t have to define your future. Your success depends less on the course title and more on the unique skills, networks, and practical experience you build around it.
Your next step is clear: don’t just be a student, be a strategist. Before this week ends, research one high-value short course or professional certification on the eCitizen platform that can complement your degree and make your CV stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Does It Matter if a Course is Flooded? in Kenya
Is it too late to switch courses if I’m already in my second year?
It’s possible but involves a formal application for inter-faculty transfer at your university, which can be competitive. You may need to meet the cut-off points for the new course and could lose a year.
The process is best initiated at the start of an academic year. Check with your faculty office and the Dean of Students for the specific deadlines and required documents.
How can I practically check if a course is flooded before applying?
Look at graduate employment reports from the Commission for University Education and track job ads for entry-level roles in that field for 3 months. If you see hundreds of applicants for few positions, it’s a sign.
Also, talk to recent graduates from that programme on LinkedIn. Ask them honestly about their job search experience and how many of their classmates are employed.
Do flooded courses have lower cut-off points during KUCCPS placement?
Not necessarily. High demand from students can keep the points artificially high. A course can be flooded with graduates but still attract many KCSE candidates due to perceived prestige or lack of information.
Always cross-reference the previous year’s cut-off points with the job market reality, not just the points required to get in.
What’s the average cost of a valuable short course to boost my employability?
Expect to invest between KES 8,000 to KES 30,000 for a certified short course from a recognized institution like KIM or a government-affiliated TVET centre. Some online platforms offer cheaper options.
HELB through the eCitizen portal sometimes offers loans for such skill-based courses, which can ease the financial burden.
If my course is flooded, should I just focus on moving abroad after graduation?
That’s a personal choice, but don’t see it as an easy escape. Many “flooded” fields are competitive globally. Building a strong, specialized skill set in Kenya first often makes you more attractive to international employers or for further studies.
Research specific countries’ critical skills lists to see if your specialization is in demand, rather than planning based on a general degree title.
