Taita Taveta Actuarial Science graduate resorts to selling meat to make a living

- Stephen Mwachofi undertook a Bachelor Degree in Actuarial Science in the hope that he would be able to secure a better job considering it was a unique course

- He struggled through both his secondary school and university education and most of his school fees would be paid by well-wishers

- After completing his course at Moi University, the 26-year-old tarmacked in search of employment but nothing was coming forth

- He resorted to being an okadad rider before it was stolen, leaving him with no source of income

- He later managed to get employment at a butcher where he initially used to deliver meat using his motorbike

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Lack of employment has become rampant as many students graduate year in and year out with impressive performance only to end up doing menial jobs for survival.

One such graduate is Stephen Mwachofi Mwaguzo, a humble young man from Teri location in Sagalla ward, Taita Taveta county in Kenya who works as a butcher.

READ ALSO: A friend who remains friends with your ex is not a true friend – Social media user explains

READ ALSO: Meet young Ghanaian lady who holds new triple jump record with 13.77m jump

Mwachofi narrated his tough journey before he graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor Degree in Actuarial Science (second class honours, upper-division).

The 26-year-old graduate said he struggled through both his secondary school and university education in getting school fees and would mostly depend on well-wishers.

“I studied at Wray Primary School in Sagalla and scored 343 marks in KCPE, where I joined Kenyatta High School in Mwatate," he said.

" It was not easy to find school fees as my parents were small scale farmers and were not earning much,” added Mwachofi.

READ ALSO: Woman who survived fatal accident in 1993 narrates she's still affected after 27 years (Video)

The Actuarial Science graduate said he was able to complete secondary school thanks to the then school's deputy principal, Mcharo, who ensured he was never sent home for lack of school fee.

“At the time I was done with my secondary education, I had a huge amount of school fees arrears, but a well wisher helped me clear it so Icould got my KCSE results," said Mwachofi.

According to Mwachofi, he scored an A-minus of 80 points in the 2011 KCSE examination and late got admission into Moi University where he undertook a course in Actuarial Science.

A well-wisher saw him through his first year and was later forced to survive on the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB's) loan.

READ ALSO: Meet Ghanaian physically challenged man who creates hand-made electric bucket heaters

“In 2014, I bought a motorbike using the money loaned from HELB," said the graduate.

"What I earned from the motorbike is what I used to pay for my school fees and upkeep until I completed my university education,” he added.

After graduating, a hopeful Mwachofi started looking for a job worth his level of education but his search did not bear any fruits.

As time went by, he saw the need to put food on the table and resorted to being a bodaboda rider.

READ ALSO: Meet 64-year-old Brenda Robinson the 1st Black female pilot in US Navy history

“As I spent so much time and resources searching for a job, I realized I had basic needs to be catered for, so I used my motorbike to earn a living,” said Mwachofi.

Unfortunately towards the end of 2018, the motorbike was stolen and for three months he had no means of earning a living before another opportunity presented itself for him.

“I had a customer that I used to transport his meat and he told me he was opening a butchery and was looking for a butcher. I told him I was interested, “ said Mwachofi.

Mwachofi said although he was not experienced and knew nothing about meat, he had to take up the job and that is what he is currently doing.

READ ALSO: Newly-invented hairstyle causes massive stir on social media (Photos)

He says his friends and those who know him as a graduate had so much expectations from him and now look in disbelief that a graduate like him is a hustler.

“ I chose to do actuarial science because I loved Mathematics. I also thought by doing this course it is unique and I will never lack job," said Mwachofi.

"But see the story of my life. I ended up jobless and had to take up any manual job,” he added.

One of the residents in Mazera's where he has rented a single-room house, Joan Wama said such situations like that of Mwachofi has discouraged many high school students.

READ ALSO: Married in my old age but I still want a child - Nigerian woman says

They no longer forward to bigger dreams of studying at the university.

“ We are told in school to aim at the stars and land on the moon by studyin to the highest level of education," said Wama.

" But later many students end up doing menial jobs as if they have never gone to a primary school," she added.

Another resident, Sam Kileta said that at times the society assumes one has been bewitched after studying and successfully graduating only to end up becoming a pauper.

READ ALSO: Man has Lamborghini worth GHC 1.2m stolen, offers GHC 70k reward

“ We have seen young men graduating well and becoming jobless. Some indulge in drug and substance abuse or turn out to be alcoholic out of frustration,” said Kileta.

He is impressed that Mwachofi has not lost hope and at least he has a job however not to his standards.

Mwachofi says he still is hopeful and in need of a job that fits his qualifications but while at it he has to earn an honest income.

“I can’t be idle as I wait for my ideal job. I am searching every day and I pray that things will change for the better anytime from now,” said Mwachofi.

Meanwhile, a talented Ghanaian goalkeeper has been discovered locked up at Nsawam Prison as part of a reformation initiative. In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, the gentleman by name Arhin Aboagye was captured as he made mind-blowing saves in a football match.

Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Yenkasa: Coronavirus: Is Ghana ready? | #Yencomgh

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh