For many years, Kenya has been known for exporting nursing graduates to the United Kingdom (UK). However, there are other numerous opportunities that have opened up for Kenyan professionals after Brexit.
In a TV interview on Saturday, December 11, Kenyan ambassador to the UK, Manoah Esipisu, revealed that there was a high demand for workers in the formal and informal sector available for Kenyans willing to work in England.
He explained that the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union (EU) popularly known as Brexit limited the UK from getting professionals from European countries hence the demand for trained personnel from countries such as Kenya.
Among the blue-collar jobs available for Kenyans include truck driving and working in the butchery while the white-collar jobs include the fields of science and technology, engineering, Mathematics, hospitality, and agriculture.
"Butchers is one of them. There is also a shortage in science technology, engineering, Maths in that whole area, and because of Brexit they no longer have access to previous eastern European markets so in short-term agriculture there is a shortage to that," he stated.
Esipisu added the demand for Kenyan professionals in the hospitality industry was because of the quality of education courses in Kenya.
“Also in hospitality, there is a shortage at the moment. If you are Utalii trained it is very easy for you to get jobs in Jersey island because they are highly regarded," he stated.
Additionally, the diplomat urged Kenyans to adequately prepare for the English tests that are offered to Kenyans seeking to work in the UK. He noted that the tests were not hard as perceived by many.
Esipisu made the statements after Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on October 28, revealed that only 10 out 300 nurses passed their English test.
"What I tell people is that if you are going to go for the test they need to prepare for it because if they do not, then they will fail,
"Kenyans are good with exams. It is just another exam. Just prepare for it and you will get your distinction like we often do," the diplomat stated.
On her part, UK ambassador to Kenya, Jane Marriot noted that they had launched a visa scheme for Kenyan students which would help them in getting employment upon graduating in England.
"Last year we launched a Visa student scheme so that once a student has graduated they can stay up to two years until they potentially look for a job there to get a great experience. They can later come and contribute to the economy here while maintaining ties with the UK," Marriot stated.
