A Kenyan man based in Canada is urging his compatriots to think more strategically about their futures before making the move, pointing to three career areas he believes are worth serious research.
Tony Komen shared his thoughts in a TikTok post, drawing on his own experience of navigating life and work in Canada.
What are the disadvantages of healthcare in Canada?
His message was straightforward: stop thinking about Canada as a destination and start thinking about where your skills can actually land you.
Komen pointed to healthcare as the first area worth exploring, noting that Canada regularly needs trained workers across nursing, allied health and support roles.
He highlighted that internationally educated professionals can pursue multiple entry routes, including credential recognition and bridging programmes.
However, he cautioned that licensing can be both time-consuming and expensive, and anyone considering this path should confirm current requirements directly with provincial regulatory bodies before making plans.
Can apprenticeship, certification pathways create quicker employment opportunities in Canada?
Skilled trades came in as his second recommendation. Construction, electrical work, plumbing, welding and HVAC are among the trades that see steady demand in various regions.
Komen noted that apprenticeship and certification pathways, including the Red Seal endorsement, can create quicker employment opportunities in some provinces.
He urged Kenyans to investigate regional labour markets rather than rely on broad claims about what is in demand nationally.
Demonstrable skills carry more weight than job titles
Tech and STEM rounded out his list. Developers, engineers and data specialists are sought after in Canada’s major urban hubs, and some roles may open doors to faster hiring or employer sponsorship.
Komen acknowledged, though, that competition at the top of the field is stiff, and that demonstrable skills and relevant experience carry more weight than job titles alone.
Komen was clear that none of these fields offer a guaranteed path to a job, study permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or permanent residence.
Kenyans urged to verify latest information from official Canadian government sources
Immigration rules and labour needs shift over time, and he encouraged Kenyans to always verify the latest information from official Canadian government sources rather than taking social media advice at face value.
“That doesn’t mean you should change your whole career because someone online says a field is ‘in demand,'” he wrote, adding that personal background, interests, qualifications and goals must still anchor any decision.
His intention, he said, was simply to share what he had picked up along the way, hoping it would give other Kenyans a clearer starting point for their own research.
@tonykomen_ From my own experience, one thing I’ve learned is that it helps to think beyond just “coming to Canada” and look at where your skills can actually fit long-term. Healthcare, skilled trades and tech/STEM are three areas I would personally pay attention to when doing my research. That doesn’t mean you should change your whole career because someone online says a field is “in demand.” Your background, interests, qualifications and goals still matter. And being in one of these fields does not guarantee a job, visa, study permit, PGWP or permanent residence. Rules and labour needs can change, so always confirm the latest information from official Canadian sources. I’m simply sharing what I’ve learned along the way in the hope that it helps another Kenyan know what to look into. Which of the 3 would you personally consider? 👀 #kenyantiktok🇰🇪 #kenyanincanada🇰🇪🇨🇦 #kenyansabroad #kalenjintiktokers #kikuyutiktok ♬ original sound – Tony Komen 🇰🇪🇨🇦
