Published on
November 5, 2025
For many, France represents an enchanting dream filled with cultural treasures like croissants, cobblestone streets, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. However, for those who make the leap to France, including many young Kenyans, the experience is a mix of excitement, challenges, and personal growth. Kenyans in France are navigating their way through a new language, culture, and professional opportunities, all while adapting to the high cost of living and embracing new social systems. This article explores how these individuals are building lives in France, from teaching positions to language immersion and government support systems that ease their transition.
Starting New Careers and Gaining Experience
For many Kenyans in France, one of the primary reasons for moving abroad is the opportunity for professional development. A common route is teaching English through programs like the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). These programs are a gateway for Kenyan graduates to enter the French education system and gain valuable teaching experience while improving their language skills.
- Collines Muka, a 26-year-old teacher, moved to France in 2023 through the English Language Assistance Programme, a partnership between Kenya and France. Initially placed in a high school in Versailles, Collines eventually secured a full-time job teaching English and enrolled in an apprenticeship program focused on English for special purposes, such as training football managers. Through this program, Collines is gaining professional experience while deepening his knowledge of both French culture and language.
- Similarly, Mical Njiri arrived in France in 2024 after being selected for TAPIF. Initially, Mical worked as a language assistant, and after her contract ended, she took a position as an au pair to improve her French and gain more time to decide on her future educational and career path. Her experiences in France illustrate how Kenyans in France can use these opportunities to not only broaden their teaching experience but also refine their language skills and career ambitions.
These personal journeys highlight how Kenyans in France are leveraging teaching positions as a platform for professional growth while adjusting to a completely different culture.
Government Aid and Financial Support
Living in France, especially in cities like Paris, can be quite costly. Fortunately, there are several government programs that support newcomers, particularly students and young professionals. The Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) program is one such initiative that helps subsidize housing costs for eligible residents.
- Collines is one of the many young professionals benefiting from the CAF program. Although the cost of living in Paris is high, the state helps reduce his rent by covering up to 50% of the cost, making it more manageable. Other young expats, including Julius Pambo, who works in supply chain management, have also relied on this program to help offset living expenses.
- Julius Pambo, who arrived in France on a scholarship to study industrial engineering, found the transition challenging at first, especially when navigating the French job market. However, after completing his studies, Julius found a position and now enjoys the benefits of living in a country with a robust social safety net. With government assistance programs like CAF, Kenyans in France are better equipped to handle the costs of rent, healthcare, and daily life, making the experience of living abroad much more sustainable.
Adapting to the Language and Culture
One of the first hurdles that Kenyans in France face is the language barrier. While many have learned French in Kenya, the French spoken in real-life situations can be much more fast-paced and informal than what is taught in textbooks.
- Collines Muka recalls his early days in France when the French spoken by locals felt like a completely different language. Despite his formal training in French, he found himself having to adjust to the local slang and rapid pace of conversation. Instead of taking additional classes, Collines chose to immerse himself by conversing with locals, even when his French wasn’t perfect. His decision to learn from those around him helped him grow both personally and professionally.
- Mical Njiri faced a similar challenge when trying to adapt to the French language outside of the classroom. The fast pace of everyday conversations and the use of slang were difficult to grasp initially. Mical notes that adjusting to the French approach to communication required more than just textbook knowledge; it was about learning to listen and respond emotionally, not just grammatically.
Beyond language, Kenyans in France also experience cultural differences, particularly in areas like work-life balance. Mical, for instance, noticed how seriously the French take their breaks. The cultural importance of rest stood in stark contrast to the work culture she had known in Kenya. Learning to adjust to these new cultural norms has been an important part of her integration into French society.
Homesickness and Connection to Kenya
While the excitement of living abroad is undeniable, Kenyans in France often experience homesickness. The distance from family, friends, and familiar foods can be tough, especially in the early months.
- Mical missed her family and Kenyan dishes like ugali and sukuma. Finding ingredients for her favorite meals was difficult, and it took her six months to track down maize flour. For many Kenyans in France, food plays a big role in maintaining a connection to home.
- Julius, who has been in France longer, stays connected to Kenya through music and by asking friends traveling from Kenya to bring him local food and traditional clothing. He also wears a bracelet that symbolizes his Kenyan roots. These small personal rituals help Kenyan expats in Europe maintain their sense of identity and stay grounded in their cultural heritage.
Travel and Future Plans
Living in France also presents new opportunities for exploration. For Kenyans in France, traveling across Europe is relatively easy and affordable, especially with a Schengen visa. Mical, for example, was able to travel to several European cities, including Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto, all at a very low cost.
- Collines also enjoys traveling around Europe, having visited places like Switzerland and Spain. These travel experiences not only enrich his life but also broaden his perspective on the world, an important factor for anyone living abroad.
Looking ahead, many of the Kenyans in France we’ve talked to have plans to return to Kenya eventually. Collines, for example, hopes to bring his international teaching experience back home and help develop teacher training programs, particularly in specialized fields like English for sports.
Conclusion
The experiences of Kenyans in France showcase a journey of growth, challenge, and opportunity. Whether it’s teaching, learning a new language, or navigating life in a new country, these young Kenyans are making strides toward building fulfilling careers and lives abroad. Government support like the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) plays an essential role in easing the financial burden, but ultimately, it’s their resilience and adaptability that help them succeed in their new home. As more Kenyans in France continue to establish themselves professionally and personally, their stories serve as an inspiration to others looking to embark on similar journeys abroad.
