Photo credit: Wayhomestudio
When my homegirl, Roseline Akombe clinched the IEBC commissioner job position in the last general election, I remember the concerns and noise Kenyans on Twitter made following Akombe’s appointment. To some, it was suspect that a lady who permanently resides in the supposed land of opportunities could decide to apply for a job position back home. I’m sure that several qualified Kenyans applied for the position but for one reason or another, Akombe emerged the best candidate. I do not fault her interest to make some extra cash. What surprises me is how these Kenyans of valor only remember they come from Kenya when it has to do with prestigious job positions. I mean, what happened to daring and remaining abroad?
Abroad mentality
Over the years I have noticed a worrying trend I like to refer to as the ‘abroad mentality’. The continued preference of people who live or have studied abroad is so evident that some abroad people don’t have to interview for some jobs. The abroad mentality is so bad that by virtue of someone staying overseas, we vouch them to be of good character, expertise and an unmatched skillset. This is truly why; it looks like employers are denying common Kenyans the opportunity to rise up to the available job slots. Similarly, although not directly, the abroad preference paints a picture of Kenyans from overseas stealing the little job opportunities available for the large mass of unemployed youth in Kenya.
Further, this notion is backed by the fact that the Kenyan hiring system, especially the public service talent recruitment system, is one marred with several inconsistencies. We have normalized the idea of knowing someone who knows a powerful someone, who can lift you and literally place you in a prestigious government position. With this, it’s not a surprise that we are thinking qualified Kenyans from abroad are stealing our jobs. Although most people are hired based on merit, the several cases of abroad preference make the whole hiring process suspect.
Kenyans from abroad 'stealing' jobs
I believe that each one of us deserves a chance to show what we are truly made of professionally. Kenyans from abroad are just that, Kenyans. It might look like these Kenyans overseas have an advantage over us the Kenyans in Kenya, but looks are deceiving. I have heard several accounts of the horrendous ordeals of Kenyans staying abroad. From the harsh weather conditions to exorbitant bills and crazy working schedules, its evident that struggle is real! I therefore don’t fault them when they want to clinch a position back home, to enjoy being a Mkenya daima. Rather, I view it from the focal point that the Kenyans from abroad look for opportunities to move away from the strenuous life overseas.
In addition, we live in a world where it’s easier to blame the next person for your current state in life, but not hold yourself accountable for not trying enough. Rather than pointing fingers at Kenyans from abroad who are landing good jobs, how about applying for as many jobs as you can?
I stand corrected, but Kenyans from abroad are not stealing our jobs! You’re the one who hasn’t discovered the secret to landing your dream job.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Kenyans from abroad are stealing jobs meant for us?