Isuzu Kenya has faced backlash following its requirement on the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) qualification grade for internship opportunities within the company.
In an advert seen by The Kenya Times, Isuzu Kenya was offering a one-year training and working opportunity for 2023 graduates.
The available opportunities for internship encompassed bachelor’s degrees in finance or accounting, journalism or communications, computer science or IT-related fields, and mechanical, mechatronic, or electrical engineering.
Other opportunities announced are bachelor’s degrees in commerce with specializations in marketing, human resources management, procurement & supplies management, and project planning & management.
The minimum qualifications required for selection include being a 2023 graduate, having a KCSE Mean Grade of A-, and an upper second-class honors degree.
Master’s degree graduates would also be considered, provided they meet the minimum KCSE and bachelor’s degree requirements.
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However, several social media users have widely criticized the company following their requirements for internship.
Kenyans Criticize the Isuzu’s KCSE A- Requirement
Many argue that such stringent requirements significantly hinder aspiring interns’ entry, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have had the opportunity to achieve that grade.
Wandia Njoya, an X user, stated, “Remove the KCSE mean grade. You can’t still be holding people to a high school grade after they have done the work of getting a degree.”
Njeri Waridi expressed concern, saying, “One day we need to confront the reason why an exam done by a teen (KCSE) should carry so much weight as to determine how their life turns out. That includes KCPE. It’s utter madness! It will only serve to drive inequality further.”
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“Don’t you think those minimum requirements are a bit too discriminative? I know of guys who were only able to score a C+ in their KSCE but worked their ass off in campus to gain considerable skills and job experience, and also hold first class honors,” Ian Domi noted.
Some added humor referencing the ongoing doctors strike.
“Another reason why Drs should be paid well is that they made it in high school. Isuzu can’t trust our degrees; they have to go back to high school to sanitize and get the best,” Mandela Onchwati said.
Robin Denis emphasized that Isuzu Kenya should align the institution with future demands. He pointed out that major companies like Tesla prioritize character and skills over knowledge when it comes to employment.
“Skills and knowledge come last on plyometric test however the advert is pegged on knowledge acquisition individuals. Be globe competitive, he said.
