A recent global survey has revealed that a significant majority of educated professionals in Kenya actively seek opportunities to work abroad.
Despite ongoing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the desire to relocate for work remains strong. Specifically, 60 percent of local professionals in Kenya are actively looking for jobs overseas, compared to the global average of 23 percent.
In practical terms, this means that out of every three working professionals in Kenya, two are interested in pursuing job opportunities abroad.
The primary motivations cited by nearly 70 percent of Kenyan respondents include financial and economic reasons. However, over 45 percent express concerns about not being able to relocate with their families or life partners.
These findings are part of a comprehensive report published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), The Network, The Stepstone Group, and local partner The African Talent Company (TATC).
BCG Managing Director and Partner Zoë Karl-Waithaka emphasized the importance of adapting job markets to be more flexible and accommodating for workers, allowing them to move to regions where their skills are in demand and where they can secure optimal positions.
The survey highlights that Kenyan professionals have identified several preferred destinations for seeking work abroad, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Qatar, France, and Switzerland. The primary motivations for seeking employment overseas are better pay and economic opportunities.
Financial and economic reasons are paramount among Kenyan professionals considering international relocation, with 67 percent citing these factors.
This aligns closely with the global trend, where 64 percent of respondents also prioritize financial incentives. Additionally, 64 percent of Kenyan professionals cite career advancement as a significant motivator for seeking opportunities abroad, surpassing the global average of 56 percent.
Interestingly, while many Kenyan professionals seek opportunities abroad, Kenya itself is also attracting foreign nationals seeking new opportunities. The country ranks 75th globally in terms of its overall attractiveness to international workers.
Specifically, individuals from Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Belgium, and Estonia express interest in relocating to Kenya for employment opportunities, highlighting the country’s appeal as a destination for career growth and development.
“The three biggest reasons identified by Kenyan respondents, who are not willing to move overseas are the inability to bring family members or a life partner with them (48 per cent); the cost of relocation (43 per cent) and concerns about personal safety and security (34 per cent),” says Karl-Waithaka.
The study underscores the expectation among workers moving abroad that employers should play a proactive role in facilitating their relocation and integration into a new work environment, promoting an international and inclusive workplace culture.
Specifically, the survey reveals that globally, 79 percent of respondents expect assistance with housing arrangements from their employers. In Kenya, this figure is notably higher at 86 percent, reflecting the heightened importance Kenyan professionals place on housing support during relocation.
Similarly, when it comes to obtaining visas and work permits, 91 percent of Kenyan respondents seek employer assistance, compared to 78 percent globally.
This indicates a stronger reliance on employer support among Kenyan professionals when navigating legal requirements for international employment.
Regarding relocation support overall, 76 percent of Kenyan respondents expect assistance, slightly exceeding the global average of 69 percent.
This underscores the significant role employers are expected to play in easing the transition for employees moving abroad, particularly among professionals in Kenya.
“Importantly, nearly nine in ten (89 per cent) local respondents have expressed a willingness to work remotely for foreign employers in Kenya, which could present global organisations with access to resources to meet people shortages in important economies,” adds Karl-Waithaka.
The study titled “Decoding Global Talent 2024” is based on survey data collected from more than 150,000 respondents across 188 countries, including Kenya. It marks the fourth edition in a series, with previous editions published in 2014, 2018, and 2021.
One key finding is that individuals from regions with surplus labor, often due to higher birth rates, tend to be more willing to relocate compared to those from areas with shrinking labor forces.
For example, 64 percent of workers in the Middle East and Africa express active willingness to relocate, along with 58 percent in South Asia and 52 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
The top five most desired destination countries globally are Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany. Cities like London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and New York rank highest among desired locations.
Among African cities, Cape Town, Abuja, Cairo, Alexandria, Johannesburg, and Durban feature in the top 100 preferred cities for global mobility.
Younger individuals and those from countries with rapidly growing populations are shown to be the most mobile demographic groups.
English-speaking regions with strong economies dominate as preferred destinations, with job opportunities being the primary decisive factor (65 percent) for choosing a country.
Quality of life and climate rank second (54 percent), while considerations like opportunities for citizenship (18 percent) and healthcare (15 percent) are also noted as secondary factors influencing relocation decisions.
