Nicholas99

Hi,

New here. A couple of questions. I'd like to move to Kenya in the near future (perhaps in a year or two).

Any advice on how to network with other Anglo-Kenyans/British expats in Kenya?

What's the best way to get a job in Kenya?

Best regards,

Nicholas

scot47

Depends what you do and what job you are looking for. Since Independence Kenyan Governments have emphasized employment for citizens and discouraged employment of foreigners - particularly from the former colonial ruler.

Nicholas99

Do you know about job opportunities for specific fields? I have an EFL background but am interested in property development, education, publishing, NGOs, the legal sector, or other professional fields.

I'm planning to become Kenyan at some point. Nevertheless, whatever official policies there are, I'm sure there must be certain advantages for British expats.

Nicholas

scot47

Apart from international schools I imagine most teaching jobs (including EFL) have been Kenyanized. If you are a trained teacher, a job at one of the international schools might be possible. Otherwise a VSO type teaching job.

Go an have a look around but I would not be too hopeful. You are two generations too late.

Nicholas99

That's very optimistic of you. lol.

But, as I said, I'm not really interested in a teaching job in Kenya. And I do plan to Kenyanize myself at some point, anyway. I'd say the doom and gloom perspective is not particularly helpful.

If there are any British expats in Kenya on here, I'd be interested in getting in touch.

Regards,

Nicholas

carcajou

I will put it to you this way: I have experience in the Horn of Africa and know Somalis with dual citizenship - Somali and Kenyan - who stay in Somalia because they told me the economic situation is better there.

Also of note, Ethiopians have been migrating to Somalia for work opportunities.

Sorry, that's "doom and gloom" which is "not helpful."

With Kenyanisation, do you have family in Kenya, or Kenyan ancestry? If not - you may find that you aren't considered "Kenyanised" just because you declare it, or because you acquire a Kenyan passport (check that they allow dual nationality or be prepared to renounce your British citizenship).

Your best bet is to probably go down there for a few months and see what network you can make on the ground. Don't burn your bridges in the UK.

Nicholas99

Hi, I don't want to disclose too many details on a public forum. I'm rather hoping to get in touch with British expats in Kenya before moving there.

I maintain a positive mindset with regards to things. Thank you for the advice.

Best regards,

scot47

You want to go and live in "Happy Valley" - you need a time machine., Set the dials for 1938. The Kenya that you dream of ended in the period after WW2 with Mau Mau and Independence.

Thairetired2016

Why should there be advantages for Brit. expats?
I would be interested to hear your reason. I have experienced the opposite in Africa.

Nicholas99

In reply to Scot47, I'm actually looking for helpful comments. Facetious comments not welcome.

scot47

I am trying to tell you that there is very little in Kenya for those without Kenyan heritage. Is that facetious ? The world has changed from the days when "The Sun never Set on the British Empire".

The truth can be painful. I write as one who worked in post-colonial Africa and witnessed developments there. No place for the "Mzungu" in Independent Africa.

Pulaski

If you think he was being facetious you need a reality check!

Personally I think that there was a decent living to be had in Kenya as recently as the late 70's or early 80's. I knew someone who was in the RAF who was seconded out there around that time, but it has gone downhill since, at least from the view of being an expat. So while Scot and I might disagree on the timescale, we both agree that you missed your chance by a number of decades.

scot47

Pulaski and I disagree on many matters but on this we are as one voice !

Nicholas99

Not only is it facetious, it is also irrelevant. This is not a thread about the British Empire. Nor am I interested in your pessimism. I asked for specific advice about job opportunities and networking with British expats in Kenya or Anglo-Kenyans. Your comments are unhelpful.

Nicholas99

I think you need to look up a definition of the word facetious. As I am someone who is actually going to move to Kenya and plans to become a Kenyan citizen, how are such comments as these seriously helpful? Do they actually answer the question I posted? Is the goal to be helpful or just to express negativity? Think about it.

Best regards.