- Two-thirds (66%) of Kenyans have never considered moving abroad (Figure 1). o Two in 10 citizens (19%) have considered emigrating “a lot,” while 8% have considered it “somewhat” and 7% have given it “a little” thought. o Demographic groups most likely to say they have considered moving to a different country include respondents with post-secondary education (54%), urban residents (50%), and men (38%) (Figure 2). o Kenyan youth (aged 18-35) are four times more likely to have contemplated emigrating than senior citizens (aged 56 years and older) (43% vs. 11%).
- Among those who have considered emigrating: o A majority (58%) cite better work opportunities as the most important reason for leaving, followed by about one-fourth (27%) who cite economic hardship or poverty (Figure 3). o Twice as many identify North America as their preferred destination as do Europe (19%), while only small minorities would move to Uganda (7%), another country in East Africa (7%), or elsewhere on the continent (5%) (Figure 4).
- More than six in 10 respondents (63%) say it is “difficult” or “very difficult” for people in East Africa to cross international borders for work or trade (Figure 5).
One-third of Kenyans have contemplated moving to another country, a new Afrobarometer survey shows. Potential emigrants cite the prospects of better work opportunities and escaping economic hardship as primary motivations.
Youth and highly educated Kenyans are far more inclined to move abroad than their older and less educated counterparts.
The survey also shows that citizens who have considered living elsewhere would prefer moving to North America or Europe. Only small proportions cite other African countries as destinations.
But a majority of respondents say it is difficult for East Africans to cross international borders to work or trade in other countries.
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