Why Kenyan Students Prefer to Remain Abroad After Completing Studies

Why Kenyan Students Prefer to Remain Abroad After Completing Studies

In recent years, the Kenyan diaspora has become an increasingly prominent phenomenon, with a significant number of Kenyans opting to remain abroad after completing their studies rather than returning to their homeland.

This trend raises questions about brain drain versus brain gain, and the factors influencing these migration patterns. Traditionally, many Kenyans ventured abroad as students with the intention of acquiring knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their motherland. However, economic opportunities, political stability, and social factors have reshaped the landscape, leading to a significant portion of Kenyans opting to stay abroad post-education.

Social scientist and community leader Dr David Amakobe, with over two decades of experience in the United States, sheds light on the historical context of Kenyan migration patterns. He notes that while the initial wave of Kenyan immigrants often returned home after completing their studies, subsequent generations have integrated into the American system, contributing to its diversity and productivity. Factors such as political instability and economic hardships in Kenya have also encouraged Kenyans to seek opportunities abroad.

The allure of better social and economic prospects has influenced many Kenyans to settle overseas. Despite the challenges faced by newcomers, many Kenyans have thrived in their adopted countries, working tirelessly to establish themselves and support their families back home. Remittances from the diaspora play a crucial role in Kenya's economy, reflecting the significant contributions of Kenyan immigrants to both their host and home countries.

Individual stories illustrate the determination of Kenyan immigrants. From overcoming initial obstacles to building successful careers and families abroad, these narratives demonstrate the complexities of the diaspora experience. However, alongside the successes are emerging social and economic challenges, including domestic violence, single parenthood, and deportations. These issues spotlight the need for comprehensive support systems and policies to address the diverse needs of the diaspora community.

Moreover, the phenomenon of brain gain offers a new perspective on diaspora dynamics. Despite the loss of human capital through migration, many Africans abroad are actively engaging with their home countries, contributing expertise, resources, and investments to foster development and progress.
 

Comments

Job (not verified)     Wed, 03/27/2024 @ 06:04pm

Those who are staying abroad do not want to encounter the frustrations of a loser government that is exporting its brain power to go work as maids and security guards for the Arabs in Saudi Arabia and them other lunatic countries. Kenya has lost focus for the future generation! Very sad indeed!

Mzalendo (not verified)     Thu, 03/28/2024 @ 02:20am

Kenya government has lost its focus on how to improve wananchi way of life rather engage in political manipulative, corruption & taxation.. for instance Ethiopia was 2nd Geo-political economy powerhouse in Eastern Africa after Kenya. , currently its #1 & already among BRICS membership block..

mteja (not verified)     Thu, 03/28/2024 @ 09:43am

All this begun during the much hyped Uhuruto government. Nothing was accomplished by Ngina's son to deal with that and other potential job industry mess during those 10 damn years. Bure kabisa!

Benji (not verified)     Thu, 03/28/2024 @ 11:04am

I get scared being at the mercy of black Kenyan mercenaries whose goal is pilferage our country’s resources of their individual material profit. For that matter, I would rather hang out in America where the checks and balances situation tend to work for a common Joe. Who really want to return to a shithole created by some greedy idiots who steal like there is no fucking tomorrow?

Mwinyi (not verified)     Thu, 03/28/2024 @ 11:14am

When a goddam black president (Ruto) of a dying Kenya’s economy start telling us he is looks for some shitty jobs for those in Kenya to take overseas, it becomes obvious that he can kiss my ass if he thinks I will return to Kenya to suffer like other hustlers on the streets! Kenya is simply cursed because of numnuts we have blindly leading the country. We are not stupid to return to a self created hell to burn along with those who are burning there.

Jane (not verified)     Wed, 07/31/2024 @ 01:40pm

In reply to by Mwinyi (not verified)

You making an illusion of sweet like you bouncing in just to hide your loneliness saffocating you..trust me it's only in Africa where people hardly live on streets

Beth (not verified)     Thu, 03/28/2024 @ 11:50am

I cry my beloved country, but ain’t a fool to subject my future to the hands of some cons! I can’t eat the love of my country! Very painful to say but it is the truth.

Rhino (not verified)     Fri, 03/29/2024 @ 10:46am

Just common sense. In 60s and 70s folks were returning to big jobs coz economy was growing and population was small with many vacancies after zungus left. At 50m pp and low economic growth means less jobs plus lots of LOCAL graduates waiting to be hired

Kora Kanini (not verified)     Sat, 03/30/2024 @ 01:34pm

The simple dynamic is , 'we have more graduates than jobs creation right? Even having a degree in Kenya doesn't mean sh$t...if you don't have hock ups.

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