Life of a Kenyan Expat in the UK - Everything to Know!
- SEO Team
- Jun 6, 2023
- 4 min read

In African countries like Kenya, a sizable portion of the population says they want to relocate within the next five years. Some people who intend to move abroad claim to have started accumulating money and learning more about their intended place of destination. Most individuals in Kenya agree that fleeing violence is a very or somewhat significant factor in people leaving their nation.
In Kenya, people who have completed high school or higher are more likely to say they intend to relocate abroad. Nearly half or more of individuals who have already relocated and are now residing in the United Kingdom have completed some form of higher education. They can work well and send money to Kenya to their loved ones.
The UK is a fantastic place to travel because it has so many diverse regions. Expats adore its diversity, which ranges from the exciting urban lifestyle of London to the breathtakingly gorgeous Scottish Highlands. In the UK, you may live comfortably thanks to a top-notch infrastructure that includes a vast public transportation network and the National Health Service.
Living In the UK As an Expat
The UK economy has a variety of robust industries, including IT, engineering, banking, healthcare, energy, oil and gas, and construction. Expats with relevant expertise and in-demand abilities in these fields will find that there are many opportunities for career advancement in Britain.
In the UK, there is a significant range in housing affordability and quality. While it can be difficult for expats to find a roomy, luxurious home that isn't prohibitively expensive in London, there are many other parts of the UK where it's much simpler to locate suitable housing at a reasonable price.
The UK has great road infrastructure and typically high-quality public transportation. The National Health Service (NHS) is frequently cited as one of the nation's biggest assets because healthcare is largely free in the United Kingdom.
Expats will discover that doctors and medical staff are well-trained and informed due to the high grade of medical facilities and hospitals in the UK.
Accommodation
In most locations of the UK, there is a broad selection of property available for rent or purchase. In downtown London, however, it may be difficult to find roomy, inexpensive housing. You can select among houses, flats, and maisonettes depending on where you want to reside.
In London and other major cities, many townhouses have been transformed into trendy apartments for young professionals. Families of ex-pats frequently favour homes with private gardens.
When you find a location that you like, be prepared to act immediately. Good rental properties are in high demand, so you may need to be ready to decide on just one viewing. Typical lease terms range from 6 to 12 months.
You'll require a security deposit equal to six weeks' rent as well as character references from your job and past landlords. Gas, electricity, water, phone, internet, and council tax costs are typically the responsibility of the tenant.
Bank Account & Taxes
With the advent of the internet, creating a bank account is now much simpler. If your bank has a partnership with a British bank, you can even create one without providing a physical address or even from home (i.e., a correspondent bank).
Online money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer are an additional intriguing choice. Numerous currency routes are supported by this kind of service, and its fees are among the lowest available. This makes sending money from your home country to the UK simple.
Education
In the UK, there are huge disparities in the standard of education and educational facilities. Children of expats are eligible for free public education. If you're willing to pay exorbitant tuition, there are also private and foreign schools available.
The curricula in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland differ slightly from one another. In all four nations, the academic year lasts from September to July, with the main breaks occurring in December, March/April, and July/August. From the ages of 5 to 16, children are obligated to join the school.
Healthcare
The National Health Service offers free healthcare (NHS). Although medical facilities are of a high caliber, large waiting lists are not uncommon. All expats are entitled to free emergency care. However, some inpatient procedures, including dental work, could need payment.
A GP should be your first port of call for the majority of medical difficulties after you've enrolled with the NHS. For routine check-ups and repeat prescriptions, you'll need to make an appointment in advance as they are rarely accessible on the same day. The NHS provides prompt and effective patient care in an emergency.
Although prices can be exorbitant, private hospitals and speciality clinics have substantially shorter waiting lists than the NHS. If you intend to use private healthcare facilities, it is a good idea to get medical insurance. Pharmacies, often known as chemists in the UK, are frequently found close to a doctor's office or hospital, and many are open until midnight. For assistance and information on nearby medical services, dial 999, 112, or 111 in case of emergencies.
Local culture
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, four independent yet linked states. Each nation's citizens are very proud of their heritage. British and English terms have vastly distinct meanings.
While English solely refers to persons from England, the term "British" can be used to refer to anyone from any of the four countries. It might be offensive to refer to someone who is from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland as English.
When communicating, the British are not particularly animated. They may not express their powerful emotions in public, but it doesn't imply they don't feel them. Additionally, confidentiality is quite crucial, so it's better to refrain from prying into someone's personal life or bringing up their finances or romantic relationships. Keep your initial introduction to a handshake because the British respect their personal space.
Punctuality is essential for both business and social events. Telling someone you're going to be late is considered disrespectful.
Global Money Transfer for Expatriates
The majority of online money transfer businesses, including ACE Money Transfer, have made online money transfers simple for expats due to their global presence. Through their international money transfer apps, these conveniently offer the greatest international money transfer services. This has made online money transfers to Kenya even easier!
Comments