Working in Nairobi

There are plenty of work opportunities for expats in Nairobi. The city is one of the largest metros in East Africa and it serves as the main commercial centre of Kenya. Nairobi has a relatively well-developed industrial centre and is home to the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE).

Few expats working in Nairobi relocate without a job offer. Most arrive with an already negotiated contract and, in some cases, a lucrative employment package.

To work in Kenya, expats must have a work permit, which companies apply for on behalf of their foreign employees. Work permit applications are considered based on merit of the applicant, not on a quota system. Skilled expats working in Nairobi may have a Kenyan citizen working as an understudy to them, who then benefits from the foreign employee’s expertise. Expats should not relocate until their permits and visas have been secured.

Job market in Nairobi

As the country’s capital city and East Africa’s economic hub, Nairobi hosts Kenya’s most diverse job market. Many large multinationals have established their main offices in the city, and work opportunities are available in both small and large businesses. 

Agriculture has traditionally been the driving force of the economy in Kenya, but the industry sector that is causing a lot of buzz is IT. Expats who would like to do business in Kenya should look for opportunities in this sector, as well as telecommunications, logistics and marketing.

As the city grows, construction and real-estate jobs in Nairobi abound. There are also volunteer and work opportunities in the conservation, relief and development sectors, while start-ups are also continually popping up in Nairobi.

Nairobi is home to most foreign consulates in Kenya, and many expats make up embassy staff. Several international schools serve Nairobi’s diverse population and, as such, teaching posts are frequently available. 

Finding a job in Nairobi

Most expats are brought to the city on pre-secured contracts or as intra-company transfers. These tend to be the more lucrative positions with decent salaries and employment contracts, which often includes accommodation allowances and transport stipends. Employing companies will likely assist with work permit and visa applications too.

For those who don't secure a job prior to arriving in Nairobi, the job search is likely to be a bit trickier. It's essential to start with a solid CV ensuring qualifications and relevant work experience.

Job listings abound across multiple online job platforms and classifieds portals, including BrighterMonday, MyJobMag, LinkedIn and PigiaMe.

Still, networking is important and it's advisable to join expat forums and, if possible, visit the country in person and attend meet-ups to get to know other working expats in Nairobi. 

Work culture in Nairobi

Like elsewhere in Kenya, business hours in Nairobi are typically from 8am to 4pm, or 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Expats moving to Nairobi can look forward not only to a cosmopolitan lifestyle but also a work culture that mixes international business attitudes with Kenyan ones. It’s important to understand how things are done in the workplace: punctuality is important and expected from expats, but business meetings should never be rushed, and building business relationships is fundamental.