How Young Kenyans Are Finding Opportunity and Purpose in France

Young Kenyans are increasingly building new careers and identities across France, from the capital Paris to the northern city of Calais, through education, work, and cultural exchange programmes.

Among them is Collines Muka, a 26-year-old teacher based in Versailles. After earning a degree in French at Pwani University, he joined the English Language Assistance Programme, a Kenya–France initiative that allows graduates to teach English in French schools. What began as a temporary role developed into a long-term career.

“This programme gave me a chance to teach English in a high school in Versailles,” he says. “Later, I joined an apprenticeship that focuses on teaching English to adults, especially football managers.”

Collines’s experience reflects how educational exchange is shaping young African professionals. Adjusting to life in France brought challenges, from understanding local slang to managing high living costs. Support from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF), which helps with housing expenses, eased some of these difficulties. 

“I miss my family and Kenyan food,” he admits. “It took me six months to find maize flour in France.”

In Paris, Mical Njiri, 21, is taking a different route as an au pair, living with a host family while caring for children. She left her Financial Engineering studies at Strathmore University to explore her passion for languages.

“I promised myself this one year in France would be for finding my true passion,” she says. 

The placement led her towards a degree in Foreign Languages, alongside freelance translation work. Mical has adapted to French culture and values, particularly its focus on social welfare. 

“The healthcare system is incredible,” she notes. “Once you get a medical card, most of your expenses are covered.”

Julius Pambo, 29, found an unexpected career path in France after receiving a scholarship through a partnership between L’Oréal and École Centrale de Nantes. He studied at the university’s Mauritius campus before moving to France.

“I never planned to study in France,” he says. “But the opportunity changed my life.” 

Now based in Paris, Julius works as a supply chain engineer while pursuing a master’s degree in management and international trade. He describes the balance of affordable transport and food with high housing costs. 

“Rent can be expensive, but CAF support can cover up to 70 percent,” he adds.

Further north, Clarice Caroli, 23, serves as an English language assistant in Calais through the France Éducation International programme. A University of Nairobi graduate in French and Psychology, she supports English teachers in local schools.

“Calais is unique, it’s close to the UK, and the people are warm,” she says. “This experience has opened my mind. You start seeing yourself not just as a teacher, but as part of something larger.”