Kenyans’ return from abroad gives shine to labour market

They have more reasonable expectations about employers and life in general, which ensures that they settle down faster in their work environment, resulting in more loyal and motivated employees.

According to the 2009 PricewaterhouseCoopers Human Resource Survey, whose findings will be released on Friday, the main reason why employers have been keen on recruiting returning professionals is because of their qualifications, experience and international exposure.

On average, 110 employers seeking to fill vacancies have indicated that they have received about 72 applications from returning professionals.

The respondents were also specific as to the skills that they were gaining from the diaspora—indicating that 91 per cent of the returning professionals had finance/accounting skills, 77 per cent were proficient in information technology and 55 per cent good in sales and marketing.

The survey also found that organisations that have recruited from the diaspora, have on average hired three people since January 2008, who have at least two years working experience abroad.

Some 50 per cent of the returning professionals have been recruited into middle management and 24 per cent into senior management.

In most cases, organisations have negotiated to fit the new employees in existing salary structures.

A profile sample of the returnees indicates that the majority have lived abroad for more than 10 years and that many travelled abroad initially but ended up being employed in the host countries upon completion of their studies.

A majority have bachelors or masters degrees and three to 10 years work experience that varies from financial management, to education, to aviation.

A large number are employed in small to medium sized organisations in Nairobi, while others have set up consulting firms or are supporting family businesses.

Others are looking for employment.

Irrespective of whether a potential employee has local or foreign education and work experience, what remains clear is that employers are looking to recruit those who have an edge and hence the potential to offer the highest return to the organisation.

The 2009 PricewaterhouseCoopers Human Resource Survey explores if the increase in the number of Kenyans who have returned from the Diaspora has had an impact on the Kenyan labour market and employers’ recruitment strategies and practices.

The author works for PricewaterhouseCoopers.Email: the2009humanresource.survey@ke.pwc.com