Viral Masters Graduate Lands Job at International NGO

Caliph Kirui, a Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) master graduate who went viral after begging for job opportunities using a placard, landed a job at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).

The organization celebrated Kirui for his hard work and resilience, adding that he had taken bold steps in an uncertain time.

Sharing his journey so far, Kirui stated that he was thriving as an early career researcher in the company’s Chronic Diseases Management Unit (CDM), where he supports research in food environment policy action projects.

“In my current role, I support research activities in the Food Environment Policy Action project, which aims to create healthier consumer food environments in Kenya by generating evidence geared toward food labelling and marketing policies.

“I also work at the Center’s laboratory, which provides appropriate support to various projects,” he said, detailing what his work entailed. 

Kirui narrated that after finishing his master’s degree, he applied for 120 jobs and went for 43 interviews but failed to secure any position. He then took to the streets in January 2023, after which his fortune changed.

“After graduating, I hoped to turn a new page in my career. Within one month, I made 120 relevant job applications and walked into 43 institutions seeking an opportunity to serve. Unfortunately, none bore fruit.

“On January 30th, 2023, I decided to change my strategy. I did a placard showing my qualifications and my appeal for a job, spent my only remaining fare from Juja to Muthaiga, and walked to UN Avenue in Gigiri in the wee hours of the morning. With hope and faith, I held my head and placard high on a busy junction for two hours, a complex and mentally demanding task,” he recalled.

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How Kirui Landed a Job at APHRC

However, when he went viral, several people reached out to him to encourage him, to offer him job opportunities, and other times, he noted, he received negative feedback.

Further, he stated that one of the calls he received was from Catherine Kyobutungi, the Executive Director of APHRC, who offered him an internship. Within three weeks, Kirui interviewed with the NGO and began his three-month internship program.

“She had encountered my story and empathized with my situation, asking me if I would be interested in an internship opportunity at the Center since there was no open position then.

“After a day of weighing my options, I reached out to the Executive Director and expressed my interest. She linked me to the Head of the CDM unit, and within three weeks, I was invited for an interview, which I did successfully, and I commenced my three-month internship immediately,” added Kirui.

After his internship, Kirui’s contract was renewed for an additional three months. However, one month in, his supervisors recommended him for a permanent role which he got.

“Looking back, I am grateful that I made the right choice to take up the APHRC opportunity,” he noted.

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Educational at JKUAT and UoN

Kirui graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Nairobi in 2014. After months of job hunting, he landed a role at a pharmaceutical company as a medical sales representative.

However, three months later, he decided to apply for a Master’s program in Public Health at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), to challenge himself even further. 

“During this period, I developed a significant interest in health research. However, despite applying for jobs and seeking opportunities in different research organizations, I was not successful,” narrated Kirui.

He continued with his education while taking up part-time jobs and graduated in December 2022.

Now, he enjoys working at the NGO, describing it as an amazing working environment full of mentorship and supportive colleagues.

“It is impossible for a determined and disciplined person to fail at APHRC. I am grateful for the chance that APHRC gave me to prove myself and contribute to the Center’s goals,” he stated.

About APHRC

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is the continent’s premier research and policy organization, exploring population, health, and well-being questions.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and with a West Africa Regional Office (WARO) in Dakar, Senegal, the Center seeks to drive change with evidence led by a growing cadre of research leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa.