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Are you serious? Software Engineers and Data Scientists are in high demand? Last time I was in Kenya was 10+ years so I don't know what the tech scene is like

Are you serious? Software Engineers and Data Scientists are in high demand? Last time I was in Kenya was 10+ years so I don't know what the tech scene is like back there these days. What kinda tech companies are you referring to specifically? Compensation? The few startups I've seen operating in the country tended to have their main roots outside the country and only hired foreigners. I don't want to go on a rant about the ethics of this - that's for another thread. Also somebody already asked - do you have any relatives (e.g. is your spouse Kenyan)? I feel like for a typical Westerner life in East Africa would require significant adjustment and a decision to make a move should not be taken lightly.

kabouseng 10y ago
I agree, if you are a westerner and willy nilly decide you want to come rough it in Africa you are in for a shock. Such a decision should not be taken lightly.
Blahah 10y ago
I am absolutely serious. I've pinged some folks who know the scene better than I do to answer the detailed questions. No family here for either of us. I completely agree that any international move is a huge deal, especially one that involves a complete culture change. Not suggesting anyone takes it lightly, but recommending it as an option for anyone considering a move. Incidentally if anyone is interested I'm very happy to share the contacts and local knowledge I have.
- stuxnet79 10y ago
  > I've pinged some folks who know the scene better than I do to answer the detailed questions. I just sent you an email.
ibanga 10y ago
Hi @stuxnet79. Yes, great talent is in demand, especially engineers and data scientists. At last count there were only 2,000 sr engineers available in Nairobi. An absurdly small number for a city of our size. On data, everyone sees it as the infrastructure of the future. Data underlies the financial sector, as few have enough collateral. Data underlies the supply chain when there is so little price transparency. First Access and Twiga Foods are companies in each space respectively. Compensation varies pretty widely. Anywhere from $30-60K USD / year + equity for entry level. Like everywhere, this depends on company stage and sector, FinTech+Corporate being the highest salary.

kabouseng 10y ago

I agree, if you are a westerner and willy nilly decide you want to come rough it in Africa you are in for a shock. Such a decision should not be taken lightly.

Blahah 10y ago

I am absolutely serious. I've pinged some folks who know the scene better than I do to answer the detailed questions. No family here for either of us. I completely agree that any international move is a huge deal, especially one that involves a complete culture change. Not suggesting anyone takes it lightly, but recommending it as an option for anyone considering a move. Incidentally if anyone is interested I'm very happy to share the contacts and local knowledge I have.

stuxnet79 10y ago
> I've pinged some folks who know the scene better than I do to answer the detailed questions. I just sent you an email.

ibanga 10y ago

Hi @stuxnet79. Yes, great talent is in demand, especially engineers and data scientists. At last count there were only 2,000 sr engineers available in Nairobi. An absurdly small number for a city of our size. On data, everyone sees it as the infrastructure of the future. Data underlies the financial sector, as few have enough collateral. Data underlies the supply chain when there is so little price transparency. First Access and Twiga Foods are companies in each space respectively. Compensation varies pretty widely. Anywhere from $30-60K USD / year + equity for entry level. Like everywhere, this depends on company stage and sector, FinTech+Corporate being the highest salary.