As economic uncertainty and limited local opportunities drive young Kenyans to seek new career paths abroad, Australia is increasingly emerging as a destination of choice.
According to the Australian High Commission in Kenya, Kenyan student enrollments in Australian institutions rose from 2,048 in 2019 to a peak of 6,677 in 2023, before settling at 5,573 in 2024.
Officials attribute this interest to Australia’s higher education standards, availability of scholarships, and relatively supportive post-study work policies.
“Kenyan students prefer courses in society and culture, particularly human welfare studies and services, along with management and commerce, health-related fields, and information technology,” a report from the embassy reads.
Many students also benefit from scholarship programmes.
BDLife spoke to three Kenyans who left their jobs and flew to Australia with hopes of finding greener pastures.
Lena Kiambi
HR to community Services
In her early 30s, Lena Kiambi left Nairobi for Sydney in 2023. A trained human resources practitioner with a diploma from the Kenya Institute of Management, she had worked for four years but felt uninspired.
Lena Kiambi is a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Community Services, aiming to transform her background in HR into a meaningful career in social impact at the Acknowledge Education Centre in Australia.
Photo credit: Pool
“I wasn’t growing. What I was doing was closer to community development than HR,” she reflects.
Lena decided to pivot, enrolling for a degree in Community Services at Acknowledge Education Centre in Sydney. She believed the shift, and the new academic credential, would open more doors.
Persuading her family wasn’t easy. “They thought I was losing my mind. Imagine waking up and announcing you’re moving to a foreign country.”
Once in Australia, Lena found the academic environment manageable, even with her initial apprehension.
“In Kenya, you take seven units a semester. Here it’s usually three. And there’s support: a Student Services Centre helps if you’re struggling academically or mentally.”
Living costs have taken some getting used to. “A two-bedroom shared flat costs about Sh77,500 a week,” she notes.
She shares a unit, like many international students.
While adjusting to Australian life, like early shop closures and different classroom norms, Lena appreciates the support structures in place. She’s allowed to work up to 24 hours per week but finds it challenging to balance work and studies.
She used a student placement agency to help with her visa application and says the process, while lengthy, was smooth.
Now, she’s considering applying for residency after graduation. “Language isn’t a barrier, and I feel like I’ve grown. I’m more open and humbler.”
Though she misses home, she remains open-minded: “If I can build something here, why not?”
Matthew Gitau
Finding purpose abroad
When Matthew Gitau left Kenya in 2019, he had just started a law degree at the University of Nairobi. But with encouragement from relatives and hopes of better opportunities, he made the move to Australia.
Matthew Gitau is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in social sciences while leading advocacy work for the Kenyan community union at the Torrens University in Sydney, Australia.
Photo credit: Pool
“I had cousins who studied in Kenya but struggled to find jobs. I thought Australia would offer more opportunities after graduation,” he says.
Initially enrolled in network engineering, Matthew later switched to social science at Torrens University, realising his initial choice was driven more by immigration advice than passion. “The education system here is different. It’s not just about exams—they teach with a focus on practical skills.”
Like many, he worked part-time to make ends meet, first doing odd jobs and later shifting to aged care and disability support.
“Balancing work and school was tough. I’d attend classes in the morning and work shifts in the afternoon.”
Rent remains a major expense. He shares an apartment with a friend, paying about Sh77,500 every two weeks.
Cultural differences hit hard. “In Kenya, you greet neighbours. In Australia, you can go years without knowing who lives next door.”
Still, he appreciates aspects of local culture, like the calm attitude embodied in the common phrase, “No worries.”
Matthew has also become a vocal advocate for international students, especially around visa rules and post-study transitions. He’s served in student leadership, helped organise community events, and petitioned for more flexibility in English language requirements.
His academic path may lead to a master’s programme. “Graduate visas are no longer as straightforward. So, I might stay in school.”
His message to future students: “Don’t romanticise this experience. It’s not easy, especially if you’re young. There’s pressure, and mental health can suffer. Be honest about why you’re coming.”
Elizabeth Muturi
Career beyond borders and limits
Elizabeth Muturi, 40, left behind a long career in sales and management to pursue a Master’s in International Business at the International College of Management in Sydney.
Elizabeth Muturi is a Master’s student in International Business proving it’s never too late to grow globally at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) in Australia.
Photo credit: Pool
A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science graduate from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa with over 15 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth had reached a point where she wanted more, both for herself and her two sons.
“I realised client relations and people skills were my strengths. I also wanted to move somewhere safer for my boys,” she says. Australia appealed for its stability and educational opportunities.
Before her move, she worked at EPZ and ran a consultancy offering corporate training. With support from an education agent, she selected her current degree programme, switching from her initial interest in an MBA.
"It was smarter to use an agent," she says.
Her visa process began in early 2023, and she arrived later that year. However, a key setback came soon after: updated immigration rules now prevent international students over 35 from qualifying for post-study work visas. For Elizabeth, remaining in Australia after graduation would require employer sponsorship.
Still, she remains hopeful. “I’d like a little more time here to grow in this space.”
Academically, the transition has been fruitful. “I’m even considering a PhD,” she says, after winning a Best Paper Award in Singapore and preparing for another conference in Thailand.
In late 2023, Elizabeth landed a temporary managerial role, beating applicants with years of local experience. “It showed that if you work hard, you’re recognised.” Another administrative position dropped on her lap, although she had to decline it.
Yet the move hasn’t been easy. She lives alone in a “granny flat” and feels the emotional weight of being apart from her sons. “Every day away from them is hard. Thank God for video calls.”
The high cost of living is also a constant factor. “Most people share accommodations due to high rent,” she explains. Rent can reach Sh24,970 per week for a single room in a shared house.
Despite these challenges, she’s determined to complete her studies and make the most of her time in Australia. “The knowledge I’m gaining—it’s something I want to bring back home and use to build something meaningful.”
It took her some time before she got accustomed to the Australian customs.
“At home, we are very communal, nyumba kumi style. Here, it is quite different." And the local lunch customs amused her. "They believe two slices of bread with ham and cheese is a full lunch!" she laughs.
