Looking for work and a place to stay in Kenya

Hi,the best place to live in Kenya is Mombasa which is a coastal tourist city,with historical sites,many companies from abroad and local.

Hi thanks for the reply. How do i look for work in mombasa? I have been running my own family business for over 10 years and now i want to have a change. Please advise and hope you can help.

Hi.  There are a lot of posts on this site about the challenges of finding work in Kenya, which are considerable.  as an outline, if you want to be employed, you need to secure employment, then your employer facilitates the application for a work permit.  It helps if you can offer skills for which there is a shortage, in Kenya.  Your employer is then supposed to find/train a 'local' to do the job you are doing.  I am unsure that this happens in reality.  However, work permits are renewed (usually every two years) at the discretion of the government.

To be self employed, you need to establish and register a company and obtain a 'PIN' (tax code).  You must have a minimum of $100,000 capital before you apply and you must evidence that your business is of positive benefit to Kenya.  If your business is connected to the medical or tourist fields, then additional permission needs to be sought.

You do not have a right to remain in Kenya while your application is being progressed and it is quite likely that this will take longer than the validity of your normal visa!!  In my opinion, Kenya is one of the more challenging places to live and work in, with regard to the immigration regulations.  It helps a lot if you have contacts in the country.

I have pasted a link below to give you more information about permits and passes.

http://www.immigration.go.ke/downloads/ … cklist.pdfhttp://www.immigration.go.ke/Information.html

Thanks for that info.

Which site do i need to visit to find suitable jobs? Please help

Hi happy,it would be easier for you if you are in international ed or in the ngo's to get a job

What is the international ed or the ngo's? How do i register with them?

International education (teaching jobs), I think was meant.  An NGO's are usually charities, such as World Vision, Oxfam, Cafod, etc.  Jobs are often advertised in the Kenyan press.  There are also plenty of websites.  It can be a challenging field to break into, as many such organisations demand education to degree, or masters level plus several years experience in the 'development' field.  Its not a case of registering, more an case of applying for a job.  Sometimes the route in is through application to be a volunteer (work permit still required).  However, once you are in, you are in so to speak.

Hello Happy, I would recommend you register with International Citizen Service or DFID in the UK. Apply as a volunteer and come work with any organization they fund in Kenya. As a volunteer, they will provide a host home and basic stipend...During your volunteering tenure you can make time to learn about Kenya and network. I would strongly recommend you sign up for areas such Nairobi, Nakuru or Nanyuki which are much easier places to meet people.

After your volunteering experience you can come back to Kenya, having knowledge of the place and having a few friends. Another thing to note is with your experience in business management you can choose to start your own social enterprise....A lot of UK citizens have access to funding from different UK foundations and the UK government. With proper research, you will not be looking for employment but rather be employing people.
All the best Happy.

Hi thank you for your message. However, i am a bit familiar with kenya as i my family are originally from kenya but they are all in the UK now. I have visited kenya a few times. I am divorced i have a child so even if i do come as a volunteer i would have to bring my child with me as i can not leave her with anyone. I would want to work for someone rather than setting up my own business as currently i am running my own family business and to be honest i have a lot of responsibility and therefore i am not able to spend quality time with my child. Its a real hassle and headache. I need a change in life and want to start fresh. Maybe as time goes on i could set up something of my own. But i will consider your advice and thank u

You should have started your post with I am of Kenyan origin (makes all the difference). Having now the bigger picture, volunteering wouldn't be a great option..... On the employment front, I have noticed some UK organizations such as Gatsby Foundation are gearing for major investments in Kenya gatsby.org.uk I wonder if they have opportunities for expats ..... I would strongly recommend you check out opportunities online especially in international development. You will definitely find something that fits you perfectly.

Hi, seeing as you are originally from Kenya, I would suggest coming to Kenya on a visiting basis and explore the opportunities whilst here. I found most employers are more likely to offer a job opportunity to people already locally available in comparison to hiring from abroad unless ofcourse you are a highly skilled and specialised expat offering a skill that's not easily available locally. Your area of expertise/professional background will also greatly determine where you are likely to find work. eg. Highly specialised top corporate professionals register with Recruitment agencies such as http://www.corporatestaffing.co.ke/ and are likely to be headhunted.

You may also find these sites useful:
http://www.brightermonday.co.ke/http://www.findajobinafrica.com/findajobinafrica/http://kenyanjobs.blogspot.com/

Best of luck!

Hello,you may also look at CareerpointKenya.com,brightermonday.co.ke,myjobsinkenya.co.ke. there are alot of NGO jobs  and voluteering

Thanks so much!

well!

Dear Happy.

What is your specialty and what are your expectations for a place to stay. A hotel, hostel or a shared apartment?

Get to me.

Hi ,

can you provide me your contact number so that I will call you?

Thanks,
Solomon

There is the old joke that says "you need to know somebody...."

Hey Mu name is Gondo Sophia from Uganda, looking for a job in Kenya.Have a degree in public administration and 3 years experience. Thank you hope to hear from you soon

what websites should I go to for work in Kenya? I’m more of the technician.

Hello Zachvsjohn,

Find websites in the Finding a job and working in Kenya article. You may also create your CV in the Jobs in Kenya platform.

Regards

Bhavna