The Great Exodus: Kenyan Teachers Seek Greener Pastures Abroad Amidst Poor Working Conditions

The Kenyan education sector is currently facing a significant crisis, as an increasing number of teachers opt to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The primary reasons cited for this mass exodus include dejection, lack of motivation, unbearable working conditions, and poor pay. This troubling trend not only threatens the stability of the sector but also exacerbates an already severe shortage of over 100,000 tutors.

Despite having secured job opportunities with the government, many teachers have expressed deep concerns over insecurity and inadequate policies that negatively impact their professional lives. The dissatisfaction is palpable, with many educators decrying the inadequate compensation provided by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The current economic climate, marked by soaring prices for basic necessities, has rendered the small pay offered by TSC insufficient.

A significant number of teachers who spoke to journalists highlighted the stark pay disparity between themselves and other civil servants. This disparity has contributed to their impoverishment despite their crucial role in shaping the country’s future. Furthermore, skewed and delayed promotions are pushing many out of the profession, while others seek opportunities abroad where the terms of operation are more favorable.

Beatrice Wanjiku Gitau, a special education teacher with over 30 years of experience, lamented the stagnation of teachers’ remuneration in Kenya despite their extensive experience. She noted that many educators are currently dispirited, prompting them to look for opportunities elsewhere. “Teachers are the most hardworking lot in this country yet they still suffer the most with meager pay which usually demoralizes us. We too need personal growth but we can’t achieve it with the current working conditions in the country,” Wanjiku said.

The allure of better pay and working conditions has seen over 70 Kenyan teachers secure lucrative job opportunities in the USA through a successful recruitment process by PesuaR International Job Placement Consultancy. These teachers are set to earn over KSh400,000 monthly, a substantial increase compared to their earnings in Kenya. Dr. Peter Ruhiri, a representative of the consultancy, revealed that more teachers would be enrolled in the program next year as additional teaching opportunities arise.

“For a teacher to qualify, one must have a degree in education, be able to handle the discipline of learners in the US education culture and exhibit passion for working in a new environment,” Ruhiri said. He further noted that many countries have been grappling with teacher shortages since the COVID-19 period, during which many trained professionals died. As such, there are more fulfilling opportunities for teachers in various parts of the world.

The rigid upward professional mobility, or the lack of timely promotions, has also been a significant demotivating factor for Kenyan teachers. This, coupled with less motivation compared to other public service employers, has driven many teachers to seek better opportunities abroad.

The departure of these educators could destabilize the already strained sector, as the mass exodus, coupled with the number of teachers retiring or dying every month, will further exacerbate the shortage. It is imperative that the government and relevant stakeholders address these issues promptly to retain the country’s invaluable teaching workforce. Otherwise, the future of Kenya’s education system remains at risk, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the nation’s development.