An increasing number of Kenyans are moving to Romania, attracted by its relatively easy access and high labor demand. Employers are recruiting foreign workers for various jobs, including hospitality, caregiving, logistics, and food production. Hilda Mwangi, 30, is one such Kenyan who left her home country to work in Romania. She initially studied maritime shipping and logistics but ended up working in a small bakery in Bucharest, making croissants, cinnamon rolls, and fruit pastries.
Before moving to Romania, Hilda took a loan and paid an agent Sh200,000 to facilitate her move. However, she later realized that most jobs in Romania are free, and the employer typically covers the costs. Hilda's first job was at an Asian fast-food outlet, where she faced a language barrier and some customers reacted to her skin color. She also experienced a pay cut, earning Sh80,000 per month instead of the promised Sh100,000.
After losing her job at the fast-food outlet, Hilda found a new employer willing to take her on and work through the paperwork. She started working in hotel housekeeping but was unhappy with the pay. She then pivoted into caregiving, joining a nursing home run by a Tanzanian woman. This job brought her a sense of peace, and she was able to learn Romanian while communicating with elderly residents.
Hilda's salary rose to Sh120,000 per month while working in caregiving, giving her a better financial footing. However, the nursing home closed, and she had to find another job. A colleague helped her secure a position at a pastry shop, where she has been working for several months, making various pastries and studying Romanian.
Gerald Wachira, 46, is another Kenyan who moved to Romania after his wholesale food business collapsed in Kenya. He was wary of recruitment agents and privately contacted Kenyans living in Romania to verify the legitimacy of an agent. Gerald spent Sh450,000 from his savings and business to cover his visa and travel expenses.
Gerald started working as a delivery rider in Bucharest, learning the city's roads and routes from scratch. He faced challenges, including intense summer heat, slippery roads in autumn, and snow in winter. After an accident, Gerald asked his employer for a van instead of a motorbike, which changed the nature of his work.
Gerald began making long-distance trips from Bucharest to Italy, carrying vegetables and other foodstuffs. However, he struggled to meet his employer's targets and eventually decided to return to ordinary delivery work. He also joined Bolt, taking on ride-hailing work alongside deliveries. Gerald's contract was later terminated, and he found a new full-time employer with the help of a colleague.
Key points
- Many Kenyans are moving to Romania for work, attracted by its relatively easy access and high labor demand.
- Kenyans in Romania face challenges with salaries and living costs, which can be significantly different from what they expected.
- Despite the challenges, some Kenyans have found success in Romania's food industry, including Hilda, who now works in a pastry shop, and Gerald, who has experience as a delivery rider.
