As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the job market in Kenya, students planning to join colleges and universities in 2026 must be extra careful when choosing courses. Many careers that once guaranteed employment are slowly disappearing due to automation, digital tools, and smart software.
This does not mean education has lost value. Instead, it means some courses no longer match the current job market in Kenya, especially when taught without modern digital skills.
1. Office Administration Courses Without Digital Skills
Office administration courses that focus only on typing, filing, and paperwork are becoming outdated in Kenya. Most offices now use cloud systems, automated scheduling tools, and AI-powered assistants. Graduates without computer skills, digital tools, or basic IT knowledge face limited job opportunities.
2. Mass Communication Without Digital Media Training
Traditional journalism, radio-only communication, and print media jobs are shrinking. AI can now write simple news stories, edit videos, and manage social media pages.
Students who study mass communication without learning digital journalism, social media marketing, SEO, and content creation may struggle to find work.
3. General Business Studies With No Specialisation
A general business degree without practical skills is losing value in Kenya. Employers now prefer graduates with knowledge in data analysis, e-commerce, digital marketing, FinTech, and business technology. Business studies without specialisation are becoming less competitive in 2026.
4. Courses That Are Purely Theoretical
Courses that focus heavily on theory and exams, with little practical training, are no longer attractive to employers. The Kenyan job market now demands hands-on skills, problem-solving ability, and digital awareness. Degrees without real-world application are slowly becoming irrelevant.
5. Accounting Courses Without Technology Skills
Accounting is still important, but basic accounting alone is not enough. AI software can now prepare financial reports, track expenses, and detect errors. Accountants who lack knowledge of accounting software, data analytics, and digital finance tools may find it hard to secure jobs in Kenya.
6. Secretarial Studies With Old Curriculum
Secretarial studies courses that teach outdated office methods are losing relevance. Many organisations now rely on virtual assistants, automated communication tools, and digital office systems. Without modern technology skills, graduates face fewer employment opportunities.
7. Tourism and Travel Courses Without Digital Skills
Tourism remains a key sector in Kenya, but it now depends on online booking platforms, digital marketing, and AI-powered customer service. Tourism graduates without digital and technology skills may struggle, even in this growing industry.
Are These Courses Completely Useless in Kenya?
No. A course becomes useless only when it fails to adapt. Any course can still be valuable if it includes digital skills, AI awareness, practical experience, and online certifications.
What Kenyan Students Should Consider in 2026
Before choosing a course, students should ask:
- Does this course match current job market needs in Kenya?
- Does it include digital and technology skills?
- Can it help me work online or globally?
Conclusion
In 2026, choosing the wrong course in Kenya can cost you years of unemployment. Students must focus on marketable skills, digital knowledge, and adaptability. Courses linked to technology, data, creativity, and innovation are more likely to survive in the AI era.
Education is still powerful but only when it aligns with the future of work in Kenya.
