France is changing the lives of Kenyans looking for new jobs and adventures abroad – here’s what it means for your own journey to a new future

Posted on November 5, 2025

For many, France represents an enchanted dream filled with cultural treasures like croissants, cobblestone streets, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. However, for those who make the jump to France, including many young Kenyans, the experience is a mixture of excitement, challenges and personal growth. Kenyans in France They navigate their way through new language, culture, and career opportunities, all while adapting to rising costs of living and embracing new social systems. This article explores how these individuals build their lives in France, from teaching jobs to language immersion to the government support systems that facilitate their transition.

Start new jobs and gain experience

For many Kenyans in France, one of the main reasons for moving abroad is the opportunity for professional development. A common way to teach English is through programs such as the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). These programs serve as a gateway for Kenyan graduates to enter the French education system and gain valuable educational experience while improving their language skills.

• Collins Muka, a 26-year-old teacher, moved to France in 2023 through the English Language Assistance Programme, a partnership between Kenya and France. Initially assigned to a high school in Versailles, Collins eventually got a full-time job teaching English and enrolled in a vocational training program focusing on English for special purposes, such as training football managers. Through this program, Collins gains professional experience while deepening his knowledge of French culture and language.
• Likewise, Michal Njeri arrives in France in 2024 after being selected for TAPIF. Initially, Michal worked as a language assistant, and after her contract ended, she took on a position as a babysitter to improve her French and gain more time to decide on her future educational and career path. Her experience in France shows how Kenyans in France can use these opportunities not only to expand their teaching experience but also to improve their language skills and career ambitions.

These personal journeys highlight how Kenyans in France can benefit from teaching positions as a platform for professional growth while adapting to a very different culture.

Government aid and financial support

Living in France, especially in cities like Paris, can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are many government programs that support newcomers, especially students and young professionals. The Caisse d’Allocations Families (CAF) program is one such initiative that helps subsidize housing costs for eligible residents.

• Collins is one of many young professionals who benefit from the CAF programme. Although the cost of living in Paris is high, the state helps reduce the rent by covering up to 50% of the cost, making it more manageable. Other young expats, including Julius Bamboo, who works in supply chain management, have also relied on this program to help offset living expenses.
• Julius Bambo, who arrived in France on a scholarship to study industrial engineering, found this transition difficult at first, especially when navigating the French job market. However, after completing his studies, Julius found a job and now enjoys the benefits of living in a country with a strong social safety net. Thanks to government assistance programs like CAF, Kenyans in France are better equipped to deal with the costs of rent, healthcare and daily life, making the experience of living abroad more sustainable.

Adapting to language and culture

One of the first obstacles Kenyans face in France is the language barrier. While many have learned French in Kenya, French spoken in real-life situations can be more fast-paced and informal than what is taught in textbooks.

• Collins Mocha remembers his early days in France when the French spoken by the locals seemed like a completely different language. Despite his formal training in French, he found himself having to adapt to the local slang and the fast pace of conversation. Instead of taking extra classes, Collins chose to immerse himself in conversation with the locals, even when his French wasn’t perfect. His decision to learn from those around him helped him grow both personally and professionally.
• Michal Njeri faced a similar challenge when trying to adapt to French outside of the classroom. It was difficult at first to understand the fast pace of everyday conversations and the use of slang. Michal points out that adapting to the French approach to communication requires more than just textbook knowledge; It was about learning to listen and respond emotionally, not just grammatically.

Beyond language, Kenyans in France also face cultural differences, especially in areas such as work-life balance. For example, Michal noticed how seriously the French take breaks. The cultural importance of leisure stands in stark contrast to the work culture I knew in Kenya. Learning to adapt to these new cultural norms has been an important part of her integration into French society.

Homesickness and connection to Kenya

While the joys of living abroad are undeniable, Kenyans in France often feel homesick. The distance from family, friends and familiar foods can be difficult, especially in the early months.

• Mikael misses her family and Kenyan dishes like ugali and sukuma. Finding ingredients for her favorite meals was difficult, and it took her six months to find cornmeal. For many Kenyans in France, food plays a big role in maintaining a connection to home.
• Julius, who has spent longer in France, stays connected to Kenya through music and by asking friends traveling from Kenya to bring him local food and traditional clothing. He also wears a bracelet to symbolize his Kenyan roots. These small, personal rituals help Kenyan expatriates in Europe maintain their sense of identity and remain true to their cultural heritage.

Travel and future plans

Living in France also provides new opportunities for exploration. For Kenyans living in France, traveling through Europe is relatively easy and affordable, especially with a Schengen visa. For example, Mikal has been able to travel to several European cities, including Rome, Barcelona, ​​Lisbon and Porto, all at a very low cost.

• Collins also enjoys traveling around Europe, having visited places such as Switzerland and Spain. These travel experiences not only enrich his life, but also broaden his perspective of the world, which is an important factor for anyone living abroad.

Looking to the future, many of the Kenyans in France we spoke to have plans to return to Kenya eventually. For example, Collins hopes to bring his international teaching experience back to his home country and help develop teacher training programmes, particularly in specialist areas such as English for Sport.

conclusion

The experiences of Kenyans in France demonstrate a journey of growth, challenge and opportunity. Whether it’s teaching, learning a new language, or navigating life in a new country, these young Kenyans are making strides toward building fulfilling careers and lives abroad. Government support such as the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) plays an essential role in easing the financial burden, but ultimately, it is their resilience and adaptability that helps them succeed in their new home. As more Kenyans in France continue to establish themselves professionally and personally, their stories serve as an inspiration to others looking to embark on similar journeys abroad.