I am 28, have one child and earn a net salary of Sh50,000 from a contract-based job. My child lives with my mum upcountry. My expenses are: Rent Sh8,000, power and water Sh1,000, food Sh10,000, clothes Sh2,000, airtime and snacks Sh1,000, fare Sh3,000, mum Sh4,000. I have so far saved Sh150,000 in my bank account.
My first contract is renewable every six months. I got this job in January and then got a renewal after six months. I will be appraised in January and hopefully get another renewal. My employer says if a permanent vacancy comes up, I will be considered. Due to the uncertainty of this job, I have been thinking about opportunities outside the country and one has emerged in Turkey for a hotelier position with training provided. The agent charges Sh200,000 to fully facilitate the move (medicals, visa, airfare and office fees). She says my salary will be Sh100,000 and the job contract will be for three years with an opportunity to renew if I desire.
Should I quit my current job and use my last pay to top up and make this move? My goal is to earn more, save more and secure my future and that of my child. I would like to own a home and possibly become a landlord too. - Betty
Your monthly salary amounts to Sh50,000, with expenses totaling Sh29,000. This results in a monthly surplus of Sh21,000. Over the past eight months (since January), this would equate to approximately Sh168,000 in potential savings, which closely corresponds to your reported bank balance of Sh150,000. This demonstrates that you have been steadily accumulating a financial buffer, even amidst job uncertainty. These savings serve effectively as an emergency fund and are particularly important when working under a contract-based arrangement.
Check whether the agent is licensed and confirm their credentials. Work visas are issued exclusively by the Turkish Embassy in Nairobi. Reach out to the embassy office to verify whether the agency and the job offer are genuine. Payment should only be made after verification and receipt of a signed contract from the employer. Turkish employers typically sponsor candidates’ visa or work permit fees, rather than charging them directly. You can verify agents either through Kenya’s National Employment Authority (NEA) or by contacting the Turkish Embassy at nairobi.emb.mfa.gov.tr.
The agent’s quotation of Sh100,000 (approximately $775 USD at current exchange rates) exceeds the standard remuneration for entry-level hospitality positions in Türkiye, particularly for foreign applicants. In Turkey’s hospitality sector, average net monthly salaries typically range from Sh27,000 to Sh35,000 TRY ($730-$950) for general hotel staff, including roles such as receptionists or junior management. Salaries for positions designated as “hotelier” (such as manager or coordinator) can reach Sh50,000 to Sh100,000 TRY ($1,350-$2,700) in premium hotels in Istanbul.
However, these figures generally apply to experienced local professionals or expatriates with robust qualifications. Remuneration is commonly quoted in Turkish lira (TRY), which remains subject to volatility due to ongoing inflation pressures. While a salary of Sh100,000 is not unattainable, it may be optimistic for a contractual role that includes training components.
A salary of Sh100,000 may appear attractive, but consider the cost of living in Türkiye. Sh100,000 equates to approximately 32,000 Turkish Lira (TRY) at prevailing exchange rates. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre can consume a sizable proportion of this amount, typically ranging from 14,000 TRY to 28,000 TRY or more, depending on the city and neighbourhood. If housing is not provided as part of your employment package, accommodation will likely represent your most significant expense.
Kenyans are required to obtain a work visa for employment in Türkiye. The Turkish employer is responsible for sponsoring the visa by applying to the Ministry of Labour. Required documents include a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and evidence of a clean criminal record.
Employment opportunities in hotels for foreigners are available, such as positions in reception or guest relations, but these roles are competitive and often seasonal in areas with significant tourism. Factors such as age, English or Turkish language proficiency, and relevant experience may increase eligibility. However, training for international applicants is generally not provided for free.
Assess how relocation may affect your relationship with your child, as well as the potential increase in travel expenses required for visits to Kenya. Additionally, consider your mother’s needs and evaluate how you will continue to support her.
The three-year contract in Türkiye provides greater stability compared to the current six-month arrangement. However, it also presents certain risks. As a foreign national, employment rights and protections may differ from those afforded to citizens, so thoroughly review the contract terms and understand Turkish labour regulations. With a salary of Sh100,000 and minimal living expenses—particularly if accommodation and meals are covered—you could accumulate considerable savings.
For instance, if expenditures in Türkiye approximate those in Kenya or are only slightly higher, and you consistently save Sh50,000 per month, your savings could reach Sh1.8 million over three years. This represents considerable progress towards your financial goals. Conversely, your current role enables monthly savings of about Sh21,000 per month, totalling approximately Sh756,000 after three years. While Türkiye offers the potential for increased savings, this opportunity must be weighed against its associated risks.
Do not resign from your current position or make any payments to the agent until you have obtained comprehensive and verifiable information. The proposed salary top-up, which aims to reach Sh200,000, would leave your savings depleted. This option carries significant risk. If you verify that the offer is genuine and the financial package is attractive—especially if accommodation is provided—moving to Türkiye could help you reach your financial goals more quickly. Conversely, if any component of the proposal appears questionable, remain in your current role and continue saving.
Although your current circumstances may not be ideal, they provide stability and enable you to support your family while maintaining an emergency fund. It is unwise to jeopardise your security for an unverifiable opportunity. It is possible to secure your current position by discussing permanent employment during appraisals and pursuing additional part-time work to increase your income.
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