Wananchi Opinion: Kenya has good teachers, but many are now looking outside

Kenya has over the years invested heavily in the training and development of teachers.

From universities to teacher training colleges, the government and private institutions channel significant resources into producing skilled professionals to serve the education sector.

Yet despite these efforts, the country is experiencing a troubling brain drain. Many of the most talented teachers are leaving to seek better opportunities abroad or in other professions.

This exodus has far-reaching consequences on the quality of education and the overall development of the country.

Understanding the reasons behind this trend and the cost it imposes is vital for finding solutions.

One of the main causes of teacher migration is poor remuneration. Kenyan teachers, especially those in public schools, often earn salaries that do not reflect their qualifications or the heavy workload they handle.

Compared to what teachers earn in developed countries, the difference is striking. For example, a teacher in Kenya may work long hours, handle crowded classrooms, and still struggle to make ends meet, while their counterparts in countries like Canada or the United Arab Emirates receive competitive salaries and better allowances.

The pursuit of financial stability drives many to seek opportunities abroad, leaving behind a gap that is hard to fill.

Apart from pay, working conditions also push teachers away. Many schools in Kenya are under resourced, with inadequate classrooms, limited teaching materials, and outdated technology.

Teachers are forced to improvise in order to deliver lessons, yet they are still expected to produce top performance from their students.

This creates frustration and burnout. In contrast, schools abroad often provide modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and supportive systems that make teaching both effective and fulfilling.

When Kenyan teachers compare the two environments, they find it difficult to justify staying under tough conditions when better alternatives are available elsewhere.

Another factor contributing to the loss of teachers is limited career growth. In Kenya, promotion opportunities in the teaching profession are often few and highly competitive.

The process can be slow, even politicised, and discouraging. A dedicated teacher may work for years without significant recognition or advancement, while in other countries clear pathways for professional development exist.

Countries that recruit Kenyan teachers often offer training opportunities, scholarships, and mentorship programs that expand both knowledge and career prospects.

The absence of such opportunities at home makes the local teaching profession less attractive.

The cost of this brain drain is immense. First, it weakens the education system by creating a shortage of qualified and experienced teachers.

When the best leave, the students left behind are taught by fewer staff, some of whom may lack adequate experience.

This affects the quality of learning outcomes and undermines the government’s goal of achieving universal and quality education.

Secondly, brain drain wastes the investment Kenya has made in teacher education.

Each teacher who leaves represents years of government and family resources spent on training, which ends up benefiting another country rather than Kenya.

Finally, the loss of teachers reduces the prestige of the profession at home.

Young people may view teaching as a stepping stone to leave the country rather than a respected and rewarding career.

Addressing this crisis requires deliberate effort. The government must make teaching more attractive by improving salaries and allowances so that teachers can live with dignity.

Investment in school infrastructure is equally important so that teachers work in environments where they can be effective. Furthermore, systems for promotion and professional development should be transparent and motivating.

Recognition of teacher contributions through awards and public appreciation can also restore pride in the profession. If these measures are put in place, Kenya can slow down the rate at which it loses teachers to other countries.