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Kenya has a thriving tech ecosystem, often dubbed the "Silicon Savannah." Despite this growth, many IT professionals struggle with low salaries and underappreciation of their skills. But why is this the case? Here are some key reasons:
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Kenya has a high number of graduates in IT-related fields, but the job market is not expanding at the same rate. With many people competing for the same positions, employers take advantage of the surplus to offer lower salaries.
Many Kenyan companies prefer to outsource IT services to cheaper freelance developers or even international talent instead of hiring full-time employees. This reduces the demand for in-house IT professionals, leading to lower wages.
Most IT graduates have general skills, making it harder for them to stand out. Specialized fields like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing tend to pay better, but many professionals stick to general web development or networking, where competition is high.
Some businesses in Kenya still do not fully appreciate the role of IT in driving growth. They see IT as a cost rather than an investment, leading to reluctance in paying competitive salaries.
The rise of freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allows Kenyan IT professionals to work remotely, but also increases price competition. Many developers undercharge to attract clients, setting a low standard for IT rates in the country.
Many employers focus on certifications rather than actual skills. This leads to skilled but uncertified individuals being underpaid, while those with papers but limited experience get the opportunities.
Unlike in the US or Europe, where startups attract huge funding and pay tech professionals well, Kenya's startup ecosystem is still developing. Many tech startups struggle with funding and cannot afford to pay competitive salaries.
The cost of living in Kenya is high, but salary increments in the IT sector have not kept up. Many companies pay IT professionals based on outdated salary structures rather than industry trends.
Kenya has great IT potential, but salaries remain low due to various structural and economic factors. The key to success is specialization, experience, and a strategic approach to freelancing or employment.
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