Kenyans continue to be drawn to the idea of traveling to Canada and other countries in search of better opportunities, despite reports of some of their compatriots facing difficulties in their host nations.
In a recent development, Kenyan individuals in their early twenties have expressed their intentions to fly to Canada, citing the tough job market in their home country, which has made securing employment a formidable task.
During an event held on Saturday to mark the launch of 100 visas facilitated by SY Voyage Africa, an agency specializing in assisting individuals with travel documents for overseas journeys, one of the beneficiaries, Peter Wahinya Wanyoike, shared his motivation for leaving Kenya. He mentioned that he had struggled to find employment in Kenya and felt it was time to try his luck elsewhere.
Wanyoike explained that he made this decision after realizing that the local job market was not in his favor. He lamented that securing a job in Kenya often required connections with influential individuals, which he lacked, despite fulfilling all the necessary academic qualifications.
“My visa was processed within one and a half months, and I don’t believe I’ve been conned. My primary reason for leaving Kenya is to find work,” he emphasized at the event. “Young people in Kenya face challenges in finding jobs because, in many cases, you need influential connections to secure employment. I decided to take a leap and explore other opportunities.”
Another young Kenyan who obtained a travel visa, Jeffrey Nelson Mutavi, also highlighted his reasons for leaving. He expressed that he was traveling to Canada for both work and educational purposes, as he had encountered significant difficulties in securing a job without a college education.
Mutavi shared his love for Kenya but pointed out that opportunities were scarce, especially for young individuals and those who did not attend college. He stated, “I’m seeking a new perspective on life. I’m going to Canada to work and study.”
This trend follows previous reports of Kenyans who traveled to Canada for better prospects but found themselves facing hardships in the North American nation. In late August, the Toronto Star reported that a considerable number of Kenyans were stranded on the streets of Canada. This situation was exacerbated by delays in processing visas to facilitate their return to Kenya.
During that period, it became apparent that some agencies had failed to support these individuals. However, those represented by SY Voyage Africa remain hopeful that their experiences will differ.
In addition to job seekers, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Canada’s Ottawa office has indicated that several other migrants apply for asylum due to threats they have faced in their home countries. Canada has processed over 60,000 applications from asylum seekers since January 2023.
Azadeh Tamjeedi, a senior legal officer at UNHCR, explained, “We have observed an increasing number of asylum seekers arriving in Canada. This is not surprising, considering the growing global demand for asylum and protection.”
According to Trading Economics, Kenya’s unemployment rate currently stands at 5.40%, representing over one million unemployed Kenyans.
