The last time teachers in Kenya were on strike, one of my friends on Facebook updated his status asking why the teachers bothered going on strike after-all, it is a well known fact that the teaching profession does not pay well in Kenya and in most countries worldwide. His argument was that if you want a well paying job, then choose a line of career that will provide you with high earning potential. Generally, there are some lines of work which tend to pay better than others. Most people choose their Kenya careers based on the earning potential expected.

Below are some generalizations about different positions and jobs that pay well in Kenya and which jobs are in high demand in Kenya at the moment. The lists are not organized in any particular order.

Highest earning positions

How much you earn largely relies on your line of work and your position in the company. Some of the best paid positions in Kenya include

• Chief executive Officers

• Directors

• Top managers

• Consultants

• Mps

This means that you must work hard to climb the corporate ladder if you want to get a boost in your salary.

Highest earning jobs

Some of the well paid Kenya careers include:

• Information Technology

• Marketing

• Accounting and Finance

• Banking

• Engineering

• Aviation/Airlines/Aerospace

• Medical and Health

Lowest earning jobs

Some of the Kenya careers that do not pay very well include 

• Waiters

• Bookkeepers

• Secretaries

• Clerks

• Help Desk Support staff

• Cashiers

Jobs in demand

Based on an analysis carried out using the Google Keyword Tool for the most frequently searched for jobs in Kenya, the jobs in highest demand in 2013 are:

• NGO jobs

• UN jobs

• Bank jobs

• Accounting

• Teaching

• Nursing

• Engineering - civil, electrical, structural and mechanical

• Online Jobs

• Embassy jobs

• Airlines

Best companies to work for in Kenya

Based on a 2012 survey carried out by Deloitte in Kenya, top companies that people like working for include:

• Old Mutual

• British America Tobacco

• Total Kenya

• Pan Africa Life

• Nation Media Group

• East African Breweries

• Kenya Women Finance Trust

• APA insurance

Conclusions

From the lists, we can draw a number of conclusions.

To find a high paying job in Kenya, you must be smart and willing to work hard. You need to stand out and be a strategic thinker if you want to succeed in your career. Most Kenyans view working in NGOs and particularly the UN as highly prestigious jobs due to the high earning potential and traveling opportunities provided to employees. Kenyans are also starting to embrace online jobs

Most Kenyan employees are looking for job security, given the fact that many Kenya companies are retrenching employees so as to minimize costs. The survey carried out by Deloitte found out that most employees placed a good work environment ahead of good renumeration. One of the things you should be on the lookout for when looking for a job is how the management treats its employees. Companies with a high staff turnover might be quite stressful to work for and that is why most employees prefer to leave.

If you think that the sole reason for working is to make money then you have fallen into the rat race trap. Work is not only meant to help you earn a living but it is something that should be fulfilling and enjoyable. Unfortunately, most people do not plan their career paths but are at the mercy of their employers and economic shifts in the market. Take control of your life right now and explore various strategies you can use. There are various careers in Kenya which you can pursue.

 One of the first things you need to do is to find out what drives you and what you are really passionate about. Determine what you would like to do with your life then set about going after it. Remember that you have to be patient and put in the required effort as being an overnight success is almost impossible.

 If you are unhappy with what you are currently doing then consider a career change. It is never too late to change career paths. Given that you will face many obstacles you should address them accordingly. For instance, consider going back to school to learn new skills that will prepare you for the career you want to pursue. If you cannot afford to quit your job then consider doing what you want on a part time basis until you are confident enough to pursue your career of choice on a full time basis.

 It will take a lot of investment and determination on your part to get to where you want. Breaking of your plan into smaller workable units will make it easier for you to implement it. Also, you need to carry out thorough research and have a good understanding of the different careers in Kenya you can pursue. This will give you the confidence to go after your dreams. You will be surprised about the different options and job positions that will be at your disposal.

 Talking to someone who is already in the industry you are interested in will be quite helpful. You will get a real sense of what the job entails plus learn the various pros and cons of the career. This will help you know if the job meets your expectations or not. A career counselor or a job coach can be quite instrumental in helping you make an informed decision. This is very important when you are considering a major career shift.

 Take control of your future by taking control of your career.

When considering what job you would like to get, it is important to not just think of the job but your career as a whole. Do not just look at how lucrative the career you want to pursue is, but also ask yourself whether you have the skills, talent or personality that will help you work effectively and stick to that line of work in the long term. To find the best jobs and careers in Kenya carefully evaluate the moves you should make and have a strategy to get you from where you are to where you want to go.

 Tips to use when applying for jobs and careers in Kenya

Be specific about the kind of job you are looking for. Only apply for jobs you are qualified for. Avoid applying for all the jobs you come across or sending out random applications since chances of you being successful are quite low.

Always make sure that your CV is updated and has relevant information for the post you are applying for. The information included in your CV should be true. Remember to include your current contact details.

When going for an interview, while keeping in mind the various rules and etiquette used by job candidates just remember that the company wants to find someone who will be an asset to them and help them accomplish their goals. Prove that you are that person and you will be hired.

How to go about finding and keeping jobs and careers in Kenya

 After landing a job you have to make sure that you also keep it. Generally, you will realize that you have to be friendly, work hard and do your job as part of the team in the company. Keep an open mind and find a way to deal with the various challenges that you will find on the job. Just remember that there is no perfect workplace.

Good time management is required if you are to remain productive. Know how to prioritize your tasks and delegate work to increase your effectiveness. Don't try to do everything by yourself in a bid to impress the management.

Keep your skills up to date. Know how to take advantage of technology in your line of work as more and more companies are being computerized. Also, attend refresher courses, seminars, conferences or read books and other materials that will help to sharpen your skills.

By establishing your short term and long term personal and career goals, you will be able to evaluate whether you have achieved your objectives. This will give you motivation to work harder and a clear path to follow.