The IGAD report states in part, “The country is encountering a huge human resource loss, though this is a blessing for the emigrants who are grappling with unemployment”.
IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Mahboub Maalim, admits that the region has become a transit, source and destination for immigrants. “This report will help policy makers make right decision and assist researchers with literature," he stated.
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| An apt pictorial description of brain drain in Kenya due to poor living standards (Image courtesy of www.africasti.com) |
The report adds that the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East and other EU countries are also favourite destinations for the emigrants. Most of them possess business, professional and technical skills except for those migrating to the Middle East.
The release of the report by IGAD is part of Migration Knowledge Series—a joint collaborative program between IGAD, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC). It aims to be a one-stop information centre for those seeking information pertaining to migration in the IGAD region and other areas.
Statistics released by the Government of Kenya in 2005 revealed that close to 1.8 million Kenyans were working abroad albeit their skills were in demand back home. The health sector was the worst hit where nurses and doctors constituted the largest proportions of professionals moving overseas for greener pastures.
The figures, released at the Second Annual Africa’s Brain-Drain Conference by then Labour Permanent Secretary Ms. Nancy Kirui, further indicated that 30,000 Kenyans had left in search of higher education yet less than 9,000 of them had returned home. Speaking at the same conference, the then Education Permanent Secretary, Karega Mutahi conceded that Kenya’s socio-economic levels of development could not accommodate the expertise of people migrating to other countries.
Later on, a study in 2012 by Mary Goretti Wosyanju, Jonah N. Kindiki and Jeremy Walai outlined that the shortage of skilled people resulting from brain drain does not augur well for the economic growth of the country. Other consequences of brain drain include a diminished labour force, reduced overall tax revenue or low employment.
However, the relocation of skilled Kenyans to other countries boosts the country’s local development through financial contribution and skills acquired from their stints in the diaspora. Several networks including the Kenya Diaspora Movement (KDM) and Kenyan Diaspora Alliance, which consist of Kenyans in the diaspora, have been established to assist the government in its economic recovery initiatives.
The study of Wosyanju et.al (2012) recommends that further studies are necessary to ascertain the magnitude of brain drain in Kenya. It also proposes that the government needs to improve remuneration in the public sector as well as provide room for innovativeness. A conducive environment that tolerates positive criticism, thus avoiding persecution or harassment is additionally integral to encouraging professionals to stay in the country.
What is your opinion on brain drain from African countries?
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