When Gladys Kemboi began looking for jobs abroad, she was responding to a gap she had seen in her field.
In 2017, knowledge management, she says, was becoming central to how organisations make decisions, measure impact and scale solutions. But few professionals were positioning themselves to operate at the international level.
“What inspired me was the critical role that knowledge management plays in strengthening decision-making and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she says.
At the time, she was working in Kenya as a knowledge management advisor.
Gladys describes the global job market as highly competitive, particularly in specialised fields where employers are looking beyond academic qualifications. Employers, she says, want to see measurable impact, leadership and expertise tied to international priorities.
“I encountered challenges and rejections from interviews, but I used these experiences to make myself better. I’d seek informative feedback from recruiters to identify and address the gaps that I needed to improve on,” says the 36-year-old.
She was persistent. She submitted more than 30 applications before landing a breakthrough.
“The process is highly competitive and multi-layered. It starts with applications that clearly demonstrate your expertise, the impact and alignment with the organisation’s priorities,” she says.
“If you get shortlisted, you go through several stages, including recruiter screening, technical and panel interviews, leadership discussions and sometimes practical assignments where you are asked to solve problems. It’s not just about qualifications; you have to clearly demonstrate the impact of your work and how you can contribute to complex problems.”
Preparation, she adds, had to be intentional and strategic, especially given the differences between local and international hiring processes.
“Different organisations have different interview approaches. In most cases, candidates are required to submit samples of their work and demonstrate impact at the community, national, regional and international levels,” she says.
“Before any interview, I would conduct mock interviews with members from international communities such as Knowledge Management for Development. This helped me refine how I presented my experience and also articulate the impact and adoption of knowledge management systems.”
Networking, however, proved to be just as decisive as formal applications. One of her earliest international opportunities emerged not from an online application, but from a conference presentation in Nairobi.
“I remember I attended a conference in 2016 where I was presenting my paper on how organisations can create competitive knowledge management strategies,” she says. “That is where I connected with a recruiter, and this opened international job opportunities for me. Some opportunities come from applying for jobs, but also from consistently showing up in professional spaces and contributing meaningfully. Communities of practice have played a very big role in my career journey--they have opened doors for collaboration, referrals and professional recognition.”
New interests sparked
In 2022, she got a global role with Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organisation affiliated with Johns Hopkins University in the US. In that position, she worked across more than 40 countries.
“I was based in Kenya, working remotely but with frequent travels to Baltimore, US,” she says. “As a global learning and knowledge management advisor, I led the design and implementation of knowledge management strategies and communities to support US global health security priorities across more than 40 countries.”
In 2023, she attended an international conference in Illinois, the US. Here she presented her research and connected with mentors whose work aligned closely with her interests.
“That experience really sparked my interest in pursuing a doctoral programme,” she says. “My work focuses on advancing the digital preservation of local and indigenous knowledge systems in Kenya and across Africa, and also on the issue of decolonisation of knowledge and knowledge management. I have collaborated with leaders and partners globally to build a more dynamic and equitable knowledge ecosystem.”
New global job
In July 2023, she left Jhpiego. She is now pursuing a PhD in Information Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also works as a graduate teaching assistant.
“I chose the PhD programme because of the mentorship and support from faculty in the areas I am most passionate about,” she says.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
The transition to Illinois, US, however, required careful financial planning, something she says is often overlooked in conversations about working or studying abroad.
“Before moving, I had savings to help cover initial expenses, especially costs such as rent, which often requires paying two months in advance,” she says. “Living abroad can be very expensive, so it is important to prepare for those early costs. As a PhD student, you receive financial support through assistantships or fellowships, and international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus. But overall, it requires careful financial planning to manage the cost of studying and living abroad.”
Salaries abroad
While salaries abroad may appear more attractive on paper, she cautions that the reality is more nuanced. In her field, roles within international organisations in Kenya can already offer competitive pay.
“In my experience, working in Kenya within international or global organisations can be quite competitive in terms of compensation,” she says.
“Salaries for knowledge management professionals can range between $5,000 (Sh648, 000) to $10,000 (Sh1.2 million) per month, depending on the role, level of responsibility and organisation. However, when comparing this to working abroad, especially in countries like the US, consider the broader financial context. While salaries may be higher in absolute terms, the cost of living, including housing, healthcare and taxes, is also significantly higher.”
Global recognition
Beyond finances, she is candid about the personal and professional adjustments that come with working abroad, realities that are often understated back home.
“People often overlook that living, working and studying abroad is not as glamorous as it seems,” she says. “The moment you leave Kenya, you have to understand and always be compliant with immigration policies. There are challenges adjusting to a new culture, navigating systems that are very different from home, adapting quickly and operating at a very high standard in competitive environments.”
Despite the challenges, her work has earned her global recognition, including international awards for her contributions to the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
“I am one of the first Kenyans to receive international recognition from the Digital Preservation Coalition for my contributions to the advancement of local and indigenous knowledge systems in Kenya and throughout Africa,” she says.
“I have worked with leaders and partners from all over the world in digitising and preserving indigenous knowledge for cultural continuity and a sustainable knowledge economy.”
For young Kenyans looking to build global careers, she emphasises the need for early, intentional preparation, both professionally and financially.
“Start early by intentionally building both skills and networks,” she says. “Join global professional communities, seek practical experience and contribute to international discourse. On the financial side, discipline is key, live within your means, plan and avoid drastically changing your lifestyle too quickly. The transition into global careers can come with uncertainty, so having financial stability and realistic expectations will help you navigate that journey.”
