Expats hoping to find work in Nairobi will find a diverse city with many opportunities, especially in finance, tourism, and manufacturing. However, due to visa restrictions and strict governmental oversight, finding work in the city can be challenging. Expats are advised to reach out to recruitment agencies and employers well in advance of their proposed moving date to have the best chance of success.
Major industries
As one of the major commercial and administrative hubs of East Africa, many employment opportunities in Nairobi. If you are hoping to find work in the city, it is useful to be aware of the major industries. Finance is a major employer in Nairobi, as it is home to World Bank offices, the Nairobi Stock Exchange, and over 40 local and international banks. There are also many jobs to be found in the fields of IT, tourism, manufacturing and industry, including processing of foods, dairy, coffee, and agricultural products.
Nairobi is also home to many international organisations and charities, and attracts many skilled expats from across the world with skill sets in these fields. The United Nations (UN) has its African headquarters in Nairobi, and employs approximately 5,000 people in both Nairobi and throughout the country, across a range of agencies. Other international groups in Nairobi include USAID, Oxfam, and the World Health Organisation.
How to find work
As a valid work permit is required to work in Kenya, most expats only come to the country once a job offer has been made. It is not advisable to come to Nairobi in search of work, rather work should be arranged in advance from your home country. It is also important to note that work visas cannot be obtained for jobs under a certain salary, so do not plan on finding casual employment as an income source.
The best way to search work is via recruitment agencies or by contacting Kenyan companies directly to enquire and apply. In order for a Kenyan work visa to be granted, the employer must prove that no one local is able to do the job, so the application process is likely to be strict and competitive.
A good starting point is to contact a Kenyan recruiter with expertise in working with international applicants. A few include Corporate Staffing Solutions, Michael Page, and Summit Recruitment. A recruiter can also help you format your CV in the Kenyan style, and can assist with interview preparation.
Work permits
All workers employed in Kenya must have a valid work permit. In most cases, your new employer will complete the paperwork on your behalf. Generally, work permits are valid for two years, although in recent years the government has reformed and changed the work permit system, making it harder to obtain and putting a focus on skilled workers. This is because the Kenyan government wants to ensure local Kenyans have first access to jobs within the country, and the country has also experienced many problems with bribery and corruption on the part of employers offering work sponsorships.
Most expats who move to Kenya for a job offer, or who are transferred to a Kenyan branch of their company, will qualify for a Class D visa, which covers 'specific employment by a specific employer', as well as humanitarian, charity, or aid workers.
It is best to consult the Department of Immigration Services for the most up to date information on work visas.
Useful links:
Department of Immigration Services
Class D work permit application
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