Tips for Professional Expats in Kenya

Kenya is a beautiful and diverse country which keeps attracting international companies, due to the work opportunities available in the oil industry and other industry sectors. Despite being a developing country, Kenya is slowly improving its prospects.

In fact, professional expats in Kenya contribute to the biggest economy in the area. In 2011, the country's economy grew by 5.1%, and its projected growth rates are around 6% in the near future.

There is a large number of expatriates working for non-profit agencies. Many expats work in big international companies, usually supplementing local labour with specialised skills. Other thriving industries are tourism and flower export. New infrastructure products may also provide opportunities for expats in Kenya.

Why live in Kenya?

Kenya has a lot to offer to professional expats. Here are some reasons to consider a move there.

• Working in Kenya allows professional expats to participate in East Africa's economic growth. It will add new skills and reinforce your current ones. 
• Specialised skills are welcome.
• Good international schools.
• It is a cosmopolitan country.
• World-class restaurants and entertainment.
• Kenya is a global hub for travel and a gateway to other African countries.
• Their welcoming people, diversity and unique culture. Foodies will find something to suit their taste, such as kale stew or cornmeal mush.
• The gorgeous landscape and national parks. 

What to take into account?

Here are a few hints and tips to ease your move and help expats make the most of their Kenyan experience.

• English is the official language. Swahili and Kiswahili are widely spoken.
• There is a well-established expat community. A good place to start is the notice boards in the malls once in the country.
• The working week is usually 45 hours.
• The fiscal year runs from 1st January until 31st December. Taxes vary from 10% to 30%.
• The medical standards in Kenya reveal the huge differences in population. Most expats are usually covered by their employer. However, expats are advised to check with a specialist broker before leaving for Kenya, so that they can obtain advice on the best international health cover while living there.
• As Kenya is popular with tourists, facilities are up to Western standards.

Can you think of any others?


Thanks for reading our blog.
The Medibroker Team


Photo credit
Photo credit

The Oil and Gas Industry in East Africa and Expats

The offshore gas and oil discoveries in East Africa could be a major boom for the economy in this area and can potentially attract a sizeable number of professional expats to work there.

Data from the African Development Bank show that East African countries could grow by 5.8 in 2014, which is above the 4.8 average for Africa. This is partly due to the energy resources available. Casey Research estimates that the oil production in the area could be several times bigger than in the North Sea. It is important to remember here that Africa's natural resources still remain largely under-exploited or unexploited.

Given the situation, there is little wonder as to why the region has emerged as a hot spot, and has gained the attention of the world's largest energy companies. The Here are five things you should know about the gas and oil discoveries in that area.

1. The discoveries are mostly offshore, located on Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda and Tanzania, with great interest in Kenya and Madagascar too. 
2. Lake Tanganyka is also being prospected.
3. Financial prosperity is not yet assured. African countries have a track record of not being able to convert their oil resources into financial gains.
4. Their proximity to Asian markets may be of great importance, as it is easier for these countries to export to Asia than it is to other areas.
5. There are opportunities for other industries, such as transport and services. Workers will expect to have facilities such as accommodation, access to adequate healthcare, shops, etc.

Are you thinking about relocating to this East Africa? If so, you need to make sure that you are covered, in case of any health issue. The quality of appropriate healthcare conditions in East African countries may not be what most expats may be used to find in their home countries.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit