Moving to Kenya

Although many think of Kenya in terms of wildlife and safaris, Kenya expats move there to access one of the most developed countries in Africa. Kenya's reputation was soured in 2008 as ethnic tensions culminating in election violence shook the usually peaceful country. However with new found stability, western friendly government and a manageable infrastructure, Kenya is most often used as a base for business and development for much of eastern Africa. This includes expats in government, NGOs and businesses.

Strong levels of employment protectionism in Kenya mean expats often have difficulty finding work. Expats that do find careers in Kenya tend to either be high paying managers of multinational companies, or development and NGO employees and volunteers.

Expat life can be insulated from Kenyan society as fears of crime, particularly in the large cities, sometimes cloisters foreigners behind compound housing and locked car doors. Others can really enjoy the many facets of different Kenyan cultures which are notoriously welcoming and cheerful.

Not all expats find their experiences in Kenya too comfortable and longing for the conveniences of a developed country is a common discussion. Again, others find the luxuries that can be found in Kenya, such as large houses, maids, and high expat salaries, make for a higher quality of life than they are used to back home. Whether an unwelcome posting or an opportunity, what all expats will find is an experience more unique than most expat postings.