Kenyans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to air their frustrations over alarming salary offers from potential employers, with many sharing their own distressing experiences during job interviews. The conversation began with a post from a job seeker who recounted being offered a starting salary of Ksh. 20,000 (approximately $150) for a position that did not align with her skills and experience. This revelation sparked a flood of similar stories, exposing a pervasive issue in the Kenyan job market: the exploitation of job seekers and the undervaluation of their skills.
A Shocking Salary Offer
The initial post that ignited the discussion detailed the interviewer’s lengthy justification of the Ksh. 20,000 offer, which left the applicant stunned. “It’s frustrating when companies undervalue experience!” she lamented. Her experience is far from unique, as many other users on X quickly joined in to share their tales of ridiculous salary offers that did not reflect the demands of the roles being advertised.
One particularly shocking story came from a job seeker who was offered a mere $70 (Ksh. 9,000) per month for an extensive range of responsibilities that resembled the workload of an entire department. The potential employer, identified as an African American, suggested this ludicrous figure for a position that encompassed roles such as virtual assistant, personal assistant, research assistant, and social media manager, among others. The job seeker described her incredulity at being expected to fulfill such demanding tasks for such a low salary, stating, “In very impolite terms, I told him he was looking for a slave.”
A Burden of Responsibilities
The prospective employee further elucidated the extensive and unreasonable duties associated with the position. For the monthly salary of Ksh. 9,000, she was tasked with making travel arrangements, responding to emails and phone calls, scheduling meetings, managing Excel trackers, and handling both personal and business operations. Moreover, her responsibilities included preparing proposals, performing market research, addressing administrative queries, organizing calendars, and creating presentations.
This overwhelming list of expectations raised eyebrows across the platform, with many Kenyans expressing disbelief that anyone could think to pay such a meager amount for such a workload. “How is it possible that someone wanted to pay you Ksh. 9,000 for all these duties?” one user asked incredulously. “These are literally the duties of an entire department or two. This is wild!”
A Wider Reflection of Salary Discrepancies
The discussion not only highlighted the egregious offers but also pointed to a broader issue within the Kenyan job market: many employers are seemingly disconnected from the realities and pressures faced by their employees. In a country where the cost of living continues to rise, it appears that some employers are treating potential hires as if they are cheap labor rather than skilled professionals deserving of fair compensation.
One user echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is actually infuriating. There’s no way anyone should do all these for less than $1,000. But Kenya being Kenya, I’m sure he found someone the next day! Sad!” This comment encapsulates a harsh truth: the desperation felt by many job seekers leads them to accept salaries far below what their skills and the job demands warrant.
The Struggle of Job Seekers
The conversation surrounding these salary offers paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by job seekers in Kenya. Many individuals are finding themselves in increasingly difficult situations, compelled to accept offers that are not only inadequate but humiliating, just to meet their basic needs for rent and food.
Another user, James Nzioka, shared his own painful experience from 2019, shortly after graduating from university. “You won’t believe I would pocket Ksh. 11,000 per month in a multinational company… But I had no choice and, sadly, I needed to eat.” His story is indicative of a trend where graduates and young professionals are forced to compromise on their worth to secure any job, leading to a cycle of exploitation and dissatisfaction.
The Impact of Exploitative Offers
The repercussions of such low salary offers extend beyond the immediate financial struggles faced by employees. When companies undervalue their staff, they not only contribute to a culture of low morale but also risk losing talented individuals who could bring valuable skills and innovation to their organizations.
The normalization of such exploitative practices in the job market can deter potential talent from pursuing opportunities in certain industries or companies altogether. This, in turn, hampers economic growth and innovation as businesses fail to attract the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
Addressing the Issues
As the discussion continues to unfold on X, it is evident that there needs to be a concerted effort to address these exploitative practices within the Kenyan job market. Employers must recognize the importance of offering fair compensation that reflects the skills and experience of their employees.
There is also a need for greater transparency in job postings and salary ranges, enabling job seekers to make informed decisions and avoid wasting time on positions that undervalue their worth. Furthermore, organizations should foster a culture that values collaboration and recognizes the contributions of all team members, rather than treating employees as expendable resources.
Conclusion
The conversations taking place on X are an important reminder of the challenges faced by job seekers in Kenya. The stories shared highlight a troubling trend of underpayment and exploitation, which not only affects individuals but also impacts the broader economy. As more Kenyans share their experiences, it is crucial for employers to listen and reassess their practices, ensuring that they offer competitive salaries that truly reflect the value of their employees. By doing so, they can build a more sustainable and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organizations they work for.
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