- Out of desperation, James Okello has become a luggage carrier in his quest to earn an income and cater to his needs as he waits for better employment opportunities
- The Kenyatta University (KU) graduate said he turned to the hustle after failing to secure a job despite graduating with a Second Class Honours degree
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the 27-year-old Nairobi resident opened up about his educational journey and the challenges he faced along the way
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Graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment after completing college and university, forcing many to explore alternative sources of income.
Source: UGC
A Kenyatta University graduate has turned to carrying luggage in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) after struggling to land a job.
James Okello graduated with a Second Class Honours degree in Environmental Science (Resource Conservation), hoping to secure employment immediately.
Unfortunately, this did not materialise, forcing him to seek alternative means of earning a living.
“Came to town with dreams…ended up carrying luggage just to afford a meal,” his TikTok video caption read.
How old is James Okello?
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the 27-year-old shared his educational journey and the financial struggles he endured to complete his studies.
“My educational journey has been shaped by perseverance, resilience, and a deep commitment to achieving my dreams despite significant financial and social challenges. I began my primary education at Ojolla Primary School before transferring to Mawembe Kodero Primary School, where I completed my KCPE in 2015 with 285 marks.
In 2016, I joined Kisian Secondary School as a day scholar, but due to financial constraints, my mother made a great sacrifice by leasing part of our family land to enable me to transfer to Ombay Secondary School as a boarder. I completed my KCSE in 2019 and attained a mean grade of C (45 points),”he shared.
Okello turns to boda boda hustle
Despite this outcome, Okello remained determined to pursue higher education. He took up a boda boda hustle in his village to save money and support his education.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the bold decision to repeat Form Four at Bar Union Secondary School.
Okello said he walked approximately four kilometres daily to school while balancing financial struggles and academic pressure.
Through hard work, discipline, and faith, he improved his performance and attained a mean grade of C+, qualifying him for university admission.
Okello called to Rongo University
“After completing my KCSE, I continued working as a boda boda rider to raise funds for university. During KUCCPS placement, I was admitted to Rongo University to pursue a Bachelor of Interior Design and Textile. However, my passion lay in science and environmental conservation, and my dream was to study at KU. With limited resources, I used my savings of KSh 1,000 to apply for an inter-institutional transfer. Fortunately, my application was successful, and I joined KU in October 2021 to pursue Environmental Science.
University life came with significant financial challenges. During my first and second years, I stayed in the university hostel but often struggled to afford meals. To survive, I took on various casual jobs, including washing clothes for fellow students and working in hotels around Kenyatta Market, washing dishes to earn money for food and basic necessities. My parents were unable to consistently support me due to the responsibility of educating my younger siblings, which pushed me to become self-reliant,” he added.
His efforts eventually paid off as he graduated. However, due to the congested job market, securing employment immediately after campus proved difficult.
While waiting for a better opportunity, he turned to carrying luggage in Nairobi’s CBD to earn an income and cater to his needs.
Source: UGC
James Okello facing eviction after graduation
In a separate incident, Okello, who went viral for dancing to a song associated with Raila Odinga during his graduation, revealed that he was facing eviction.
He appealed to Kenyans for help in paying his rent, saying he was at his wits’ end and uncertain about his next step.
Social media users sympathised with him, encouraging him to remain patient while others offered to help.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
