Over 500 jobseekers apply for one position advertised by Kiambu Senator
By Charles Ouma, March 5, 2026Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has stated that more than five hundred jobseekers responded to one vacancy that he advertised, vowing to see to it that the unemployment crisis in the country is addressed.
The Senator revealed that despite the candid advertisement which stated that the successful candidate would sometimes work in volatile and unpredictable environments, 576 applicants responded, with a majority of them being males at 533.
“My office posted an advertisement seeking a Photographer and Video Editor, a single position. The advert was intentionally candid about the nature of the role: the successful candidate would be required to document public interest activities, including in environments that can be volatile and unpredictable,” the senator stated on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
“The application deadline has since lapsed. We have since received a total of 576 applications, 533 from male applicants and 43 from female applicants, for a single vacancy. Let me repeat that for emphasis. Nearly 600 qualified young Kenyans applied for a single job opportunity,” he added.
What response reveals
Karungo said that the overwhelming response he has received for the entry-level job that came is a true reflection of the unemployment crisis in the country, with many qualified Kenyans on the brink of hopelessness.
“When 600 young people are battling for a single opportunity, how can the government claim success? Additionally, it was evident from our qualifications that this position necessitates bravery in the face of police pressure, tear gas, and politically volatile situations. It speaks volumes that these circumstances did not discourage about 600 young Kenyans,” he added.
While acknowledging that only one candidate will get the opportunity, the Senator vowed that he will retain all the applicants in his talent pool while proactively exploring opportunities to support and engage them whenever possible.
“Your applications will remain part of a valuable talent pool, and my office will continue to explore opportunities to engage and support you wherever possible. My office will continue to do its part by creating opportunities where possible, supporting young professionals, and advocating for policies that empower our youth, he said.
Senator says gov’t programs have failed
He also opined that government programmes rolled out to address unemployment have failed to achieve the desired results, insisting that the overwhelming response to a single entry-level job in itself is evidence of the same.
“I demand that the National Government reconsider the youth employment policy immediately. The information in front of us is clear: the programs are failing the very generation for which they were intended. Kenya’s youth deserve meaningful opportunities.