Useless courses in Kenya can be defined as those courses with little employment opportunities. We use the word ‘useless’ relatively because the skills you get from a course may be utilized creatively. Unlike hotcake courses in Kenya which offer more opportunities; it’s difficult to get a job if you do one of the useless courses. In this article we explore the top 20 useless courses with limited jobs in the market.

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Most useless courses in Kenya

A college or university course should empower you with two deliverables; ability to get a formal employment or venture in self-employment. A course that does not achieve any of those objectives maybe deemed useless. The following is a list of courses with few job opportunities in Kenya.

1. Chemical engineering

Engineering courses are deemed marketable, so you might ask isn’t chemical engineering marketable? The answer is no, chemical engineering is one of the useless courses in Kenya. The course might be marketable in the first world countries where industrial revolution is advanced. Countries such as; U.S, Russia, and China among others have greater opportunities for chemical engineers. Here in Kenya, opportunities are limited.

2. Mass media and journalism

If you are talented in comedy, you will easily find work in the radio or TV sector. Most employers are interested with your ability to deliver based on your job description. So, you don’t need a mass media degree course to work in radio or TV. Comedians such as; Jalang’o, and other gospel musician have worked in radio without formal training in journalism. Thus, mass media is one of the most useless courses in Kenya.

3. Political science

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in political science to become a politician in Kenya. Many Kenyan MCAs and MPs don’t have a political science credential. It’s your vision and rapport with the electorate that will get you elected. Although there are other fields where graduates of political science can work, such opportunities in Kenya are very limited, so, it is one of the useless courses in Kenya. If you take political science as a course, you are likely to end up doing odd jobs unrelated to your training.

4. Sport science

A sports science course equips you with essential skills to enhance people’s fitness. Very few people in Kenya will subscribe to gyms and other fitness establishments. While you will be qualified as a gym instructor, making ends meet with a sports science course in Kenya is very challenging. “Kenya ni shamba la mawe” meaning the cost of living is unbearable. Will a person prioritize gym services or food? Sport science therefore joins the list of most useless courses in Kenya. However, sports science is a core piece in the CBC, thus, its employment prospects might change with time.

5. Psychology and counselling

Psychological support is crucial in empowering people with mental problems. However, getting a formal employment in this field can be a daunting experience. Besides, many Kenyans also not aware psychology and counselling services exist. You need great passion in psychology to thrive in this field through self-employment. Talented psychologists such as Benjamin Zulu have curved a profitable niche in psychology and counselling space.

6. Theology and biblical studies

Understanding theology is good for anyone interested in religion. However, theology is one of the most useless courses in Kenya when it comes to available job opportunities. It is a course you must never take unless you want to become a religious leader. Many rural and city Kenyan pastors don’t have a theology degree. Majority of pastors have started their own churches without theology and biblical certificates.

7. Criminology

Solving insecurity issues in Kenya is very important. Because of its significance, many students would think there are great opportunities for graduates of criminology, but the truth is, criminology related jobs are very limited. Many security companies do not employ criminologists. If you do this course, you will end up doing jobs unrelated to your field of study.

8. Hospitality

Catering and hotel services are mushrooming everywhere, as a result, many students may think there are great opportunities for hospitality managers. Truth be told, short courses such as culinary arts are more marketable than a degree in hospitality or related field. Hospitality course is one of the least marketable courses in Kenya that you must avoid by all means. However, if you have great passion for the field or well connected, go take it.

9. Arts related courses

In Kenya today, many artists are self-taught. There are different arts related courses such as; drama, acting, music among others. You don’t need a music degree to become a musician. However, a self-taught musician can take a music related course to advance his skills. Generally, you will have a hard time getting a job with art related course, because it’s one of the least marketable courses to take in Kenya.

10. Physical education

Physical education is closely related to sports science. The course trains individuals who can promote physical education in schools. It’s a least marketable course in Kenya because not so many schools in the country employ physical education experts. However, there is more emphasis on physical education in the CBC syllabus, so, things might change with time.

11. Anthropology

The course deals with the study of humankind across the globe. Although anthropology course empowers learners with transferable skills, getting a job in this field is close to impossible. Thus, anthropology joins one of the most useless courses in Kenya. Many employers who may employ anthropologists do not need the services of such experts.

12. Library science

Library facilities in the country are very limited. The government is the lead provider of library services through the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS). There are other few providers of library services in the country. Although library services are very important for educational and research services, few opportunities exist for library graduates.

13. Records management and information science

Records management and information services are closely related to library services. Every organization has a record department, however many information records in such businesses are managed by secretaries, accountants or other staff. So opportunities for records management and information sciences are not that much.

14. Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is a sub segment of agriculture. Although agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, formal opportunities for animal husbandry are very few in the agriculture field. You might find it challenging to get a job with animal husbandry because it’s one of the most useless courses in Kenya when it comes to employment.

15. Forestry

Forestry deals with planting, growing and management of tree plantations. Kenya has few tree plantations for companies engaged in timber production. Finding a formal job with a forestry course can be difficult because it is one of the least marketable courses in Kenya. It’s your future, avoid this course if you want a better career.

16. Meteorology

Major meteorology services are offered by the government. There are few meteorology companies in the country. Thus getting a formal job in the meteorology field can be difficult because it is one of the most useless courses in Kenya. In addition, many companies have upgraded their weather services through advanced software and apps.

17. Environmental science

Clean environment is paramount for healthy living. However, jobs related to environmental science are not many. You might spend many years without a job after doing this course. However, environmental activism can be a good option. Environmentalists like the late Wangari Mathai have left a mark in the environment through environmental activism.

18. Bachelor of commerce (BCOM)

BCOM used to be one of the most marketable courses in Kenya some years back, but things are changing. Although the course is popular among employers, getting a job in the field is not easy, unless you are among the best, or have good “connection”. Besides, you need additional qualifications such as CPA to boost your employability.

19. Actuarial science

Actuarial course is a popular academic program among many students. Although it’s a good course when it comes to risk management, it’s one of the useless courses in Kenya because getting a job is not easy. You also need to do so many professional exams to become a certified actuary. Actuarial science is a big name with limited jobs in Kenya.

20. Landscaping

Landscaping deals with visual improvements of gardens using plants and other materials. It is a little known professional field in Kenya. There are very little opportunities for landscaping graduates. Many clients confuse landscapers with “shamba boys.” Due to this misconception, landscapers tend to be paid low fees when they get a project. It is therefore one of the most useless courses in Kenya especially if you want to seek formal employment.

Top 20 useless courses in Kenya

The following list is a summary of the top 20 useless courses in Kenya. These are courses with very few jobs in the Kenyan market today. Explore them to choose your course wisely.

1. Chemical engineering
2. Mass media and journalism
3. Political science
4. Sport science
5. Psychology and counselling
6. Theology and biblical studies
7. Criminology
8. Hospitality
9. Arts related courses
10. Physical education
11. Anthropology
12. Library science
13. Records management and information science
14. Animal Husbandry
15. Forestry
16. Meteorology
17. Environmental science
18. Bachelor of commerce (BCOM)
19. Actuarial science
20. Landscaping

Don’t risk your future: Get career guidance now:- We have summarized a short guide of the most marketable and best courses to study. For Ksh: 180/- only, download the list of courses in PDF to help you make informed career choice. [Download now]

Requirements for useless courses in Kenya

Requirements for the above courses is as follows.

1. Artisan courses: KCSE D- (minus)and below
2. Certificate courses: KCSE D and above
3. Diploma courses: KCSE C- (minus) and above
4. Degree courses: KCSE C+ (plus) and above

Final word for useless courses in Kenya

Useless courses in Kenya are defined as those courses with little employment opportunities. We have used the word ‘useless’ relatively because the skills you get from a course may be utilized creatively. Unlike hotcake courses in Kenya; it’s difficult to get a job if you do one of the useless courses in Kenya. The top 10 useless courses in Kenya are; Chemical engineering, Mass media and journalism, Political science, Sport science, Psychology and counselling, Theology and biblical studies, Criminology, Hospitality, Arts related courses, Physical education. Courses such as BCOM, and information science are among the best in this category.