Far From Home, Kenyans Seek Greener Pastures Abroad

Searching for a job in Kenya has proven to be very frustrating, hectic and stressful; it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Job hunting in the country has become a job itself without a salary, of course. University graduates tarmac every single day under the hot, scorching sun with the hope that their papers may be able to grasp a job opportunity for them. Still, to no avail, they go back home crushed by the reality the cruel world has to offer.

The higher unemployment rate puts the country in a chokehold, which is alarming. To add salt to injury, each passing year, the universities produce thousands of graduates who flood the society, each wanting an equal opportunity in the job market. However, that cannot be the case because not everyone can get a piece of the small pie life offers.

It is estimated that youth unemployment in Kenya has increased by 35% (4.5 million young) compared to 2023 the percentage keeps rising. Many youths are willing to take their chances to look for greener pastures abroad and take on the challenge of being far away from home so they can make their daily bread.

Graduates are willing to go as far as Qatar or Dubai to work as house helpers or security guards because the pay is much better than the peanuts Kenyan jobs offer. However, of the many who have dared to go abroad, only a few emerge victorious.

Many might say that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So why can't the youth create employment for themselves and job opportunities for others? Maybe, just maybe, one might lack the resources required to employ themselves and others, or maybe people are different, and others are contented with working from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and they are not mentally and financially prepared to become bosses; hence, they try their luck abroad.