Discover the top 10 best jobs in Kenya and explore their key features and potential for professional success. From Information Technology
Introduction
In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to identify the best career opportunities that can provide stability, growth, and financial security. Kenya, a country known for its vibrant economy and diverse industries, offers a range of promising job prospects for individuals seeking a rewarding career.
Highest Paying Careers in Kenya pic.twitter.com/63dLc8k6lO
— Wanjiku Reports (@WanjikuReports) May 26, 2020
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best jobs in Kenya, highlighting their key features and potential for professional success.
1. Information Technology
The field of information technology (IT) has witnessed tremendous growth in Kenya, with a high demand for skilled IT professionals. From software development to network administration, IT offers diverse career paths with excellent remuneration packages. The continuous advancements in technology ensure a constant need for IT experts, making it one of the best job sectors in the country.
Information technology officers are well-rounded professionals. In small organizations, they are expected to wear many hats. They work as office support personnel, network administrators, and tech support among others. In larger organizations, they can function in a more specialized role. It is a highly-paid entry-level career with an average of KSh 748,651 a year.
2. Finance and Accounting-Financial Officer
The finance and accounting sector in Kenya is thriving, providing numerous opportunities for individuals with financial expertise. With the growth of businesses and the need for financial management, professionals in this field enjoy competitive salaries and attractive benefits. Roles such as accountants, financial analysts, and auditors are highly sought after in both private and public sectors.
Effective management of funds is integral in any organization. Accountants are some of the key figures in making sure that finances are handled effectively. They are trained in assessing cash flows, pinpointing inefficiencies, and identifying any anomalous expenditures in the system. They are thorough and detail-oriented which helps them effectively carry out their duties. This could also be a stepping stone to landing a Chief Financial Officer role in the future. In Kenya, they earn an average salary of KSh 486,167 a year.
3. Medicine and Healthcare-Surgeons
The healthcare industry in Kenya is rapidly expanding, creating a demand for healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical specialists are in high demand. The sector offers job security, attractive salaries, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Surgery is one of the most paid jobs in Kenya. Surgeons are specialized medical professionals that perform operations on the human body. They can be general surgeons or specialists in a specific body part. The profession requires a high level of skill and grace under pressure. Because of this, medical doctors and surgeons in Kenya are some of the highest-paid professionals in Kenya and the world. Cardiothoracic Surgeons are paid an average of KSh 20,000,001 yearly. Specialists could earn more.
4. Engineering-Pilot
Engineering is a field that remains consistently in demand in Kenya. From civil engineering to electrical engineering, professionals in this sector are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining various infrastructure projects. The engineering sector provides competitive salaries, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to work on exciting projects.
Commercial Airline Pilots are highly trained professionals that fly airplanes. They are some of the most in-demand both locally and internationally. They undergo intensive training to ensure that they have the necessary skill set to safely operate an aircraft. Commercial flying can include passenger flights as well as cargo and long-haul flying. They can earn up to KSh 5,000,000 yearly on average.
5. Education-Lecturer
The education sector in Kenya offers a wide range of job opportunities. Teachers, lecturers, and professors are in constant demand across various educational institutions. With the government’s focus on improving the quality of education, professionals in this field can enjoy job security, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of shaping the future generation.
The academe is one of the biggest and oldest institutions on the planet. Lecturers and professors are tasked to educate learners attending various universities. They are also expected to do research work to further advance their field of study. They are sometimes given scholarships and grants to further their education or continue their research. In Kenya, lecturers are paid an average yearly salary of KSh 1,200,000.
6. Sales and Marketing Directors
The sales and marketing sector in Kenya is vibrant and dynamic. With the growth of businesses and the need to reach a wider audience, companies are constantly on the lookout for skilled sales and marketing professionals. This field offers attractive salaries, commission-based incentives, and the opportunity to work with diverse industries.
These professionals are in charge of an organization’s entire marketing strategy. They conduct comprehensive market research to find out what their target customers want. They take note of market trends and opportunities to make appropriate marketing plans. They are also expected to be able to handle a team of professionals to effectively carry out their marketing strategies. They can earn up to KSh 4,272,932 a year on average.
7. Hospitality and Tourism
Kenya’s thriving tourism industry provides numerous job opportunities in the hospitality sector. Hotels, resorts, and tour operators require skilled professionals to cater to the needs of tourists. This sector offers competitive salaries, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to showcase Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.
8. Renewable Energy
With the global shift towards sustainable energy sources, the renewable energy sector in Kenya is experiencing significant growth. Professionals in this field, such as solar energy engineers and wind energy technicians, are in high demand. The renewable energy sector offers competitive salaries, job security, and the chance to contribute to a greener future.
9. Media and Communication
The media and communication industry in Kenya is thriving, with a growing number of television stations, radio stations, and digital media platforms. Journalists, broadcasters, and communication specialists are in demand to create engaging content and disseminate information. This sector offers exciting career opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a difference through effective storytelling.
10. Entrepreneurship
Kenya has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for individuals with innovative ideas and a passion for business. Starting your own business allows you to be your boss and create job opportunities for others. While entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, it offers the potential for unlimited growth and financial success.
11. Lawyers And Politicians
The practice of law and Politics is one of the better-paying careers in Kenya. Professional lawyers in Kenya can work in different sectors such as government, private institutions, or private practice. To practice law in Kenya, you have to finish a 4 to 6-year degree from any of the accredited law schools in the country. then you have to pass the bar exams to be certified. Lawyers can earn up to KSh 780,000 a year.
Skills You Need To Land Well-Paying Jobs In Kenya
Several high-income skills in Kenya are needed to land a well-paid job. These include both soft and hard skills, of which are:
Communication
In every industry or job, the ability to effectively communicate is a valued skill. Being able to express thoughts in a way that’s easy to understand helps keep workflow running smoothly. It minimizes errors due to miscommunication, ensures instructions are clearly understood, and it helps build a healthy working environment. In highly technical fields, being able to communicate in clear and digestible terms would highly increase your odds of landing a good high-salary job.
Technical Skills
Having an in-demand technical skill is one of the simplest ways to get started on a well-paying job in Kenya today. Highly specialized fields like Medicine, Data Security, or Engineering are known to pay more. The more specialized and experienced you are the more the pay and demand increase. If you plan to break into these fields, having the correct set of certifications and qualifications is key. Most of them would require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some, like Cybersecurity, would require further certifications and training.
Leadership
Career advancement in any industry almost always includes managerial responsibilities. Organizations are always on the lookout for promising individuals who can lead teams to handle certain projects. These leaders can motivate, handle, and inspire their team members to meet their goals.
Adaptability
In today’s fast-paced work landscape, being adaptable is a must. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and there are always many changes happening. Being able to comfortably adapt to these changes is a definite advantage. Adaptability lets you transition your skillset without much downtime. This gives you an edge, especially in highly technical fields.
Collaborative skills
Being able to work within a team effectively is yet another must-have skill. In any career, you are expected to be able to work and contribute with other professionals like you. Being a team player means you should be able to discuss with others openly. You must be comfortable with brainstorming ideas and working with each other’s strengths.
Time Management
Workplaces, especially in highly technical fields, can get hectic. Sometimes you need to handle multiple tasks at a time or switch between them multiple times. Missing even a single deadline can mean an entire project gets delayed causing the company to lose resources. Knowing how to effectively plan and execute tasks promptly is certainly a major advantage.
Problem-Solving
This is a major skill that anyone should have. During your career, you will face obstacles that need to be addressed. They can be minor inconveniences to major problems that could negatively impact your work. Knowing how to creatively solve these problems is crucial to be successful. All high-level positions especially managerial roles require good problem-solving skills to thrive.
Conclusion on Top 10 Best Jobs in Kenya
Kenya offers a plethora of job opportunities across various sectors. Whether you have a passion for technology, finance, healthcare, or any other field, the country provides a fertile ground for professional growth. By identifying the best jobs in Kenya and leveraging your skills and expertise, you can embark on a rewarding career journey that offers stability, growth, and personal fulfilment.
