Moving To Kenya
Initially, the thought of moving to Kenya may only conjure images of magical safaris and rare wildlife for the uninformed expat; however, those that do come to settle in the country, will find themselves in one of the most developed of African nations.
Kenya's reputation was, perhaps unfairly, soured in 2008, when ethnic tensions - culminating in election violence - shook the usually peaceful country. However, with newfound stability, a Western-friendly government and a manageable infrastructure, Kenya and especially its capital, Nairobi, is now considered the hub for business and development in eastern Africa.
Expats working in Kenya tend to be either highly-paid managers of multinational companies, or development and NGO employees and volunteers. Strong levels of local employee protectionism can often make the job search difficult, even for skilled and highly-qualified foreigners.
Kenya's reputation was, perhaps unfairly, soured in 2008, when ethnic tensions - culminating in election violence - shook the usually peaceful country. However, with newfound stability, a Western-friendly government and a manageable infrastructure, Kenya and especially its capital, Nairobi, is now considered the hub for business and development in eastern Africa.
Expats working in Kenya tend to be either highly-paid managers of multinational companies, or development and NGO employees and volunteers. Strong levels of local employee protectionism can often make the job search difficult, even for skilled and highly-qualified foreigners.
Expat life can be insulated from Kenyan society, as the fear of crime, particularly in the large cities, sometimes cloisters foreigners behind the gates of compound housing complexes, and locked car doors. Those who emerge from behind this curtain of fear can really enjoy the different cultures of Kenya, all of which are famously welcoming and cheerful.
Nonetheless, those moving to Kenya may not find the expat experience as comfortable as in more developed nations, and longing for everyday conveniences and the familiar efficiency of home is often a topic of discussion among foreigners.
On the other side of the coin, others find the luxuries that can be found in Kenya, such as large houses, domestic workers, and high expat salaries, make for a higher quality of life than they are used to back home. Overall, though, whether life in Kenya turns out to be an unwelcome posting or a grand opportunity, what all expats will certainly have, is a truly unique experience.