Working in Kenya
Because of the political strife in 2008, Kenya’s economy experienced a decline. Foreign investment and the tourism and hospitality industries faltered at a time when the nation was in desperate need of both. Unemployment levels remain very high, and the government is protective of jobs that Kenyans can fill; thus, working in Kenya can prove difficult for expats that have not secured a job prior to arrival.
That said, Kenya, and especially Nairobi, is a major business hub in eastern Africa, and several multinational companies have set up shop there, including General Electric, Coca-Cola and SAB Miller. However, even with the presence of these branches, the country lacks the financial and business draw that encourages the same level of immigration found in other, more attractive expat destinations.
Industry sectors most likely to employ foreigners include tourism, journalism, development, and teaching.
There are many volunteer jobs in Kenya with government and NGO organisations. The country is a regional hub and headquarters for not-for-profit organisations that service much of eastern Africa. For this reason, many expats working in Kenya find themselves in teaching or development positions, despite their previous skill-set.
The employer in Kenya is responsible for securing the expat employee’s work permit. These are only granted to foreigners if the company in Kenya can prove a Kenyan citizen can’t fulfil the position adequately. This stipulation can be difficult to prove, and Kenya is known for protecting its workforce.
On the whole, expats rarely show up in Kenya looking for a job, but are instead relocated there or hired from overseas by a company familiar with the visa process.
It can be assumed that if a company is hiring from overseas they have already gone through the process of warranting foreign employment, and expats will not need to be involved in proving their merit to the government.
Self-employed expats have more difficulty obtaining a work visa for Kenya, as they have to go through the entire process on their own. The red tape that must be unravelled is notoriously time-consuming and expensive.
Volunteers and employees of aid agencies in Kenya should have their organisations arrange for their visa. Expats creating their own business in Kenya have to secure licenses and demonstrate earning potential in order to receive a work and business permit.
That said, Kenya, and especially Nairobi, is a major business hub in eastern Africa, and several multinational companies have set up shop there, including General Electric, Coca-Cola and SAB Miller. However, even with the presence of these branches, the country lacks the financial and business draw that encourages the same level of immigration found in other, more attractive expat destinations.
Industry sectors most likely to employ foreigners include tourism, journalism, development, and teaching.
There are many volunteer jobs in Kenya with government and NGO organisations. The country is a regional hub and headquarters for not-for-profit organisations that service much of eastern Africa. For this reason, many expats working in Kenya find themselves in teaching or development positions, despite their previous skill-set.
Visa and Work Permits for Kenya
The employer in Kenya is responsible for securing the expat employee’s work permit. These are only granted to foreigners if the company in Kenya can prove a Kenyan citizen can’t fulfil the position adequately. This stipulation can be difficult to prove, and Kenya is known for protecting its workforce.
On the whole, expats rarely show up in Kenya looking for a job, but are instead relocated there or hired from overseas by a company familiar with the visa process.
It can be assumed that if a company is hiring from overseas they have already gone through the process of warranting foreign employment, and expats will not need to be involved in proving their merit to the government.
Self-employed expats have more difficulty obtaining a work visa for Kenya, as they have to go through the entire process on their own. The red tape that must be unravelled is notoriously time-consuming and expensive.
Volunteers and employees of aid agencies in Kenya should have their organisations arrange for their visa. Expats creating their own business in Kenya have to secure licenses and demonstrate earning potential in order to receive a work and business permit.
