Graduates' Perception of University Programmes and their Relevance to Employment: A Study of University of Nairobi Graduates (1991-1998)

This paper reports a study to assess graduates' perception of the learning conditions and provisions at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. The study identified the jobs held by the graduates and the extent to which they use knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired during their study at the University of Nairobi in their present jobs. The sample consisted of 1,640 graduates drawn from 3,300 graduates of Bachelor of Education (Arts), Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce degree programmes who had completed their studies between 1991 and 1998. Questionnaires were sent to 1,400 graduates and some 240 others were administered directly to respondents. A total of 580 questionnaires were returned representing a return rate of 35.4 per cent. The findings show that overall the scope and coverage of the courses, teaching quality of lectures and contact with students were the most highly rated aspects of study conditions and provisions of the University of Nairobi