Kenya is a country in East Africa, bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It has a population of roughly 50 million and is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages. The economy of Kenya is largely based on agriculture and tourism, and the country is known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Kenya is also a major hub for business and finance in the region, with a growing number of international companies and organizations based in the country.
Kenya is becoming increasingly recognized as a hub for tech talent, with a large and rapidly growing pool of skilled professionals. According to a recent report by the Kenya ICT Board, there were over 200,000 people employed in the tech industry in 2019, with the majority of them being software developers, data scientists, and graphic designers. The report also showed that the majority of tech talent in Kenya is under the age of 30 and is highly educated, with over 70% having attained a university degree. Additionally, the report showed that the majority of tech talent in Kenya is female, with women making up over 45% of the total tech workforce.
Kenya's tech ecosystem is thriving and rapidly changing. It is home to a dynamic and rapidly growing startup ecosystem that is characterized by a large number of tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and tech incubators. Kenya has become a hub for innovation and technology with a large number of accelerators, co-working spaces, and tech events. The Kenyan tech ecosystem is also supported by a number of government initiatives, such as the National ICT Master Plan, which is aimed at creating an enabling environment for tech entrepreneurs. Additionally, the government has invested in e-government initiatives and the development of digital infrastructure. As a result, Kenya has become one of the leading countries in Africa when it comes to digital transformation. In recent years, the Kenyan tech sector has seen significant growth and investment, with several venture capital firms investing in a variety of tech startups.
1. Nairobi Tech Meetup
2. Nairobi Devs
3. Nairobi Open Source Meetup
4. Women in Technology Kenya (WiTKE)
5. Nairobi Python User Group
6. Nairobi JavaScript Meetup
7. Nairobi Google Developer Group
8. Nairobi Blockchain Meetup
9. Nairobi Big Data & AI Meetup
10. Nairobi Robotics & Automation Meetup
1. Use Professional Recruiting Agencies - Professional recruiting agencies are a great way to source software development talent in Kenya. They have the expertise and resources to quickly identify and recruit high-quality candidates.
2. Leverage Social Media - Social media can be a powerful tool for finding talented software developers in Kenya. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are great places to post job postings and connect with potential candidates.
3. Network - Reaching out to people in your network is another great way to source software development talent in Kenya. Your contacts may know someone who is looking for a position or can refer you to a qualified individual.
4. Attend Events - Attending events such as conferences, hackathons, and meetups can be a great way to meet and connect with potential software developers.
5. Post on Job Boards - Posting job listings on popular job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can help you find qualified software developers in Kenya.
The best way to find developer talent in Kenya is to find them in the places where they have an online profile and are active. Examples of those platforms are GitHub and Stack Overflow. LinkedIn can also be a valuable source.
Talent search engines can help you find developers online through a variety of sources. Most talent search engines also provide verified contact details so you can reach out to the talent you have found. In some cases these engines even automate a big part of the outreach process so you can reach hundreds of candidates per day.
An example of a talent search and engagement engine is HeroHunt.ai which can find 1 billion candidates worldwide and lets you reach out automatically with personalized messages.
An alternative way to attract development talent is to post a job on a (local) job board.
If you are sourcing for remote talent then you can utilize remote specific job boards where you can post your remote job.
1. Upwork
2. Freelancer
3. Fiverr
4. Guru
5. PeoplePerHour
6. Toptal
7. Flexjobs
8. Remote.co
9. Glassdoor
10. LinkedIn ProFinder
When you’re hiring software developers you need to be aware of the local average salaries in order to provide a competitive job offer. Below are the average salaries for software developers per experience level.
The average salary for a junior developer in Kenya is between KES. 40,000 and KES. 90,000 per month. This salary is typically determined by the developer's experience, skillset and the company for which they are working. Those who are just starting out in the field tend to have lower salaries, while more experienced developers can expect to earn more. The salary can also be influenced by the size of the company and the industry in which the developer is working.
The average salary for a senior developer in Kenya is approximately KES 1,500,000 per annum, which equates to approximately KES 125,000 per month. This salary is based on a range of factors including experience, skillset, and the size and type of organisation the developer works for. The senior developer will be expected to have a high level of technical knowledge and experience, as well as leadership and problem-solving skills. They will be expected to be able to manage large projects, and to be able to develop and implement new technologies as needed.
Maybe your company doesn't have an office (yet) in Kenya. But that doesn't mean you can't hire employees in Kenya. There are several options like EORs which can help employ developers legally according to the regulations in Kenya.
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a service provider in Kenya that assists employers with their international recruitment, payroll and compliance needs. The EOR is responsible for managing the entire employment cycle, from onboarding to termination, for employees in Kenya.
1. Choose an EOR: You will need to select an EOR who is registered in Kenya. Make sure the provider is reputable and meets the necessary requirements for providing services in the country.
2. Onboarding: Once you have identified an EOR in Kenya, you can begin the onboarding process. The EOR will help you with the paperwork, such as obtaining the necessary permits, as well as recruiting, screening and hiring employees.
3. Payroll and Compliance: The EOR will manage payroll and compliance for employees in Kenya, including taxes, social security contributions, and any other related obligations.
4. Termination: The EOR will assist with the termination of employees in Kenya, including any required paperwork and payments.
An Employer of Record is a great way to streamline the recruitment, payroll and compliance processes in Kenya. By working with an experienced EOR, you can ensure that your business is compliant and that your employees are treated fairly and paid correctly.