From Siaya to Finland: How Brian Obako Built a Career Abroad

Brian Obako Obuyu, a production worker from Siaya, has built a career in Northern Europe after moving from Kenya, using his English language skills to adapt to new workplaces and advance his professional goals.

Brian first moved to Poland, where he worked in the production sector for more than a year and a half. In April 2023, he relocated to Finland and joined Naapurin Maalaiskana in Lieto. The company promotes an inclusive workplace based on respect and equality. 

Brian said his transition was made easier by Finland's widespread use of English, which helped him understand technical instructions, follow safety procedures and settle into his new role. "My friend and I thought the job sounded good, so we decided to apply together. Now, we both work here as manufacturing workers," he said.

The Bilingual Advantage

Kenya's education system places a strong emphasis on English, giving many workers an advantage when seeking employment abroad. The country's workforce also benefits from proficiency in Kiswahili, which is the official language of the African Union and is widely used in trade and diplomacy across East and Central Africa. Together, English and Kiswahili provide Kenyan professionals with valuable language skills for both regional and international labour markets.

Learning additional languages can further expand career opportunities. German is widely used in technical and healthcare sectors across Central Europe, while French supports access to jobs in Francophone Africa and international organisations. 

Mandarin can open opportunities linked to trade and technology in Asia, and Arabic is useful in the economies of the Middle East and North Africa. For many young Kenyans, learning more than one language is a practical way to improve employment prospects.

Pathways and Partnerships

Brian's move to Finland was supported by Barona, a Nordic recruitment and staffing agency. The company assisted with recruitment, work permits, accommodation and workplace orientation, allowing him to focus on his work and adjust to his new environment. Such support can help make international employment more structured and predictable for workers moving abroad.

Looking Ahead

Brian plans to combine his academic qualifications with the management experience he is gaining in Finland to start a business in either Kenya or another country. His experience shows how language skills, practical experience and determination can create opportunities for international employment and long-term career development.