169 Kenyans head to France for teaching jobs as Kenya tops Africa in language assistant programme

169 Kenyan language assistants are set to depart for France in the 2026-2027 academic year, marking Kenya's leading participation in a language assistant programme originating in 2019. The cohort consists of 90 fresh participants and 79 returning individuals who will teach English in French schools from October 2026 to April 2027. Kenya leads Africa in programme participation, ranking sixth globally and fourth among countries whose assistants teach English.

The programme, initiated by the French Embassy, has involved around 650 Kenyan participants since its inception in 2019. Approximately 4,500 students worldwide join yearly, teaching languages such as English, German, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic. During a reception at the French Embassy in Nairobi, French Ambassador Wadid Benaabou emphasized the programme's role as a practical example of people-to-people diplomacy and friendship between Kenya and France.

He urged the Kenyan assistants to serve as ambassadors, sharing their experiences to strengthen ties between the two nations.

The French Embassy highlighted growing interest from French higher education institutions in Kenya and Kenyan students seeking opportunities in France. Kenya sees the programme as a pathway to international employment, stressing the importance of language skills for job prospects abroad. Secretary for Diaspora, Investment, Skills, and Expertise Isaiya Kabira noted the challenges Kenyans face in accessing overseas opportunities due to the lack of second-language skills, urging the assistants to build professional networks during their stay in France.

The government official also described the programme as part of Kenya's broader strategy to enhance educational exchange, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties with France. Selected through the French Embassy and Alliance Française network, candidates must have attained a B1 level of French and have undergone pre-departure training. The programme aims to provide participants with their first travel and professional experience abroad, opening possibilities for further studies in France.

Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala challenged the assistants to return with new ideas and perspectives, encouraging them to share Kenya's culture, languages, music, food, innovations, and experiences. She urged the participants to use their time in France to acquire knowledge and ideas that could benefit Kenya upon their return.