Level of STEM Academic Programs on Unemployment Duration of Graduates of National Polytechnics in Kenya: A Cox Proportional Hazards Model Approach

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between the level of STEM academic programs and job search duration for graduates of national polytechnics in Kenya. Specifically, it examines how different certification levels—Artisan, Craft, Diploma, and Higher Diploma—impact the time it takes for graduates to secure employment. focused on the 2016 cohort of graduates from selected national polytechnics. Using stratified sampling and simple random sampling, a sample of 1834 respondents was drawn from a target population of 21,151. The study employed a semi parametric Cox regression survival analysis. The findings indicated that graduates with an Artisan certificate had a median employment time of 60.92 months, Craft certificate holders 50.62 months, Diploma holders 31.93 months, and Higher Diploma holders 47.93 months. However, these were not statistically significantly different. When controlling for number of applications, gender, student geographical mobility, course duration, and exam grade, the academic qualifications were statistically significant for all the levels with reference to the artisan level. The paper concludes that geographic mobility, academic performance, and extended training can positively influence employment outcomes by increasing their chances of securing a job more quickly after graduation.