5 Tips on Dealing With Strict Regulations When Looking For Jobs

By Jane Gakaria,

How would you feel if you were in this lady’s shoes? She writes that, “ I got a D+ in my KCSE. I started from scratch at KIM diploma in business management to now third year at Maseno University specializing in HR. I have just been told I have to start again from certificate to diploma again via KNEC to get membership. Someone advice me or anyone who has gone through the same to tell me it will be soon over. What should I do?”

You will agree that having a career especially in the formal sector can be quite a daunting task. From reaching the required grades in high school, making sure you pass the cut off mark, getting your degree/diploma then registering with the appropriate authorities for the required licenses, just so you can have your dream career.

But what happens when you decide to start from scratch to get to the top only to have the Professional Bodies in their industry re-align the required qualifications which hinder your career?

Speaking to Newton Ogwora, a Human Resource Assistant with Rose Avenue Consultant he advices on how one can handle such an issue and here’s what he had to say.

How would you advise a person who finds themselves in such a situation? “Be patient and do what is required of you by the professional bodies in your industry. If they claim that you need to do another certificate but you have a degree just do it. If you don’t the only other option is to wait it out and you don’t know how long it will take for the industry regulations to change again.”

In a similar discussion on a IHRM LinkedIn page, several HR Professionals gave their opinion on the way forward in such a situation.

Mr. Jackson Ouma Oyamo a HR & Operations Manager at a local firm, states that someone in such a capacity should “Just take it easy and do as you have been instructed. Such cases are not unique in regards to professional alignments. TSC also refused to register teachers with 1st degrees who got C- in KCSE. What I would recommend if you have resources is to do them (the required courses or certificates plus your current work) concurrently.”

Ms. Rachel Mambea-Fadhili an Assistant HR Manager says that this is something that affects a lot of people even senior ones working as Managers. “You are not the only one, take heart and align yourself with the codes and ethics of the Profession. I feel you my dear but there is no shortcut to it,”she says.

So what does Mr. Ogwora think about those people who try to take shortcuts? “There is no point in using ‘panya routes’ since once you’re found out, no one will want to work with you. In the case whereby you know someone who could give you a job in your profession, that’s well and good. But what happens when the company decides to fire you or for one reason or another shuts down? Again, you will be the only one to lose out so act now.”

Are such cases common? I probe. “Yes, very. They cut across on all professions be it Law, Human Resource to even Teachers, ‘hazina ubaguzi’ (have no bias).”

In regards to how he can advise someone beforehand he states that there are professional institutions and bodies someone could talk to. “When you have decided on what you want to do after clearing high school ensure before you enroll in any course that you at least visit the respective Ministries (in your line of work), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) or even HR bodies for proper advise.”

He wraps by saying that people should be keen and positive. “If you have a genuine passion for a certain career path, take it and be positive. If you don’t have what is required go get it but if it’s impossible to achieve, it might be time to think of a different career path.”

In conclusion, if you have a dream career by all means go after it, but before you jump on that ship and set sail, at least ensure you have the right qualifications and codes so as to not hinder your prosperity in the future.

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