Kenyan Gen Zers List Money And Peace Of Mind As Top Job Hunting Needs: "Vibes And Inshallah"

• The study showed what most Kenyans aged between 18 and 27 prioritise when looking for employment
• It also captured what Gen Zers prioritised as their dream jobs and professions that they did not regard highly
• Many employers have been raising concerns about the attitude and behaviours of Gen Zers in the workplace, and this study will help them understand the young people better

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

A new study has shown that young Kenyans aged between 18 and 27 want more money, peace of mind, and fun at work.

Who are Gen Zers?

According to the Pew Research Centre, these people were born between 1997 and 2012. They are identified as members of Generation Z or Gen Zers.

In their quest to understand Gen Zers' top considerations when job hunting, Odipo Dev, a research and development organisation in Kenya, and Africa Uncensored, an independent and investigative media house in Kenya, established money as the top motivator.

According to a study released on Wednesday, May 1, most Gen Zers, who acknowledged that the internet was a top enabler of their ambitions, would easily settle for a job that paid more, regardless of the employer's reputation.

The study covered 1,300 respondents from across Kenya, 51% of whom were females and 49% males.

What do Kenyan Gen Zers look for in jobs?

When asked about their top considerations while choosing a job, Gen Zers listed money as the top motivator. About 70% of Gen Zers prioritize money over other job needs.

Mental health came in second as selected by slightly above 30% of the respondents; vibes tied for third place with company reputation at 19%; and remote working option followed at about 10%

Asked about their dream jobs, a higher percentage of Gen Zers indicated they preferred owning their own businesses and becoming self-employed.

Gen Zers' dream jobs

According to the study, nearly 22% of Kenyan Gen Zers stated their dream jobs were self-employment and business ownership.

Gen Zers' second-most preferred dream jobs were becoming doctors and TikTok influencers. These two tied at nearly 13%.

About 12% of the respondents settled for professions other than those the researchers mentioned.

Gen Zers' fourth most preferred dream job was an office job, at 10%, followed by engineering at 9%, lawyers at nearly 8%, and musicians or comedians at 7%.

They believe they can make more money as influencers than other highly-regarded professions.

About 4% chose online writing jobs, and 3% chose farming. Boda boda rider, Uber driver, and watchman were the least preferred dream jobs.

Interestingly, the respondents preferred boda boda rider jobs more than Uber drivers. The distinction was nearly insignificant nonetheless.

Why Kenyan Gen Zers don't want to live in Kenya?

TUKO.co.ke, citing this study, also reported that most Kenyan Gen Zers did not prefer living in Kenya or other countries on the continent of Africa.

Despite not preferring Africa, the Gen Zers would rather remain in Africa than relocate to Asia.

An earlier study by Aga Khan University emphasised Gen Zers' desire to become empowered to make money.

The study showed that Gen Zers and millennials wanted the media to publish and broadcast more information about how to make money.

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