With national parks populated with lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos and elephants, Kenya is a wildlife hotspot and an adventurer’s dream. But beyond biodiversity and wilderness, Kenya’s market for TEFL teachers offers a way to experience living like a local in East Africa.

English and Kiswahili are the main languages in Kenya, so you’re probably wondering whether you can teach English as a “foreign language” here. But while English speakers are common, there’s plenty of room for improvement in a language that’s used in education, government and business. Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide to teaching English in Kenya, from the requirements, salary expectations, top cities, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Kenya has two official languages, Kiswahili and English, but not everyone has perfect English proficiency.
• Teachers generally need a TEFL certificate and a university degree (preferred).
• Average teacher salaries range from KSh 55,000–120,000 ($425–$925 / £575–£1,250).
• If you lack experience or don’t have a degree, you can volunteer to gain experience.
• Most job opportunities come in private language schools and international schools.
• Teachers need a Class D Employment Permit to teach legally.
• Top locations for teaching opportunities include Nairobi and Mombasa.

Requirements for Teaching English in Kenya

English is a main language in Kenya, so it’s no surprise that the country ranks highly on the English proficiency index. Primary education is both free and mandatory, and English is the official language of instruction from grade 4 onwards.

Kenyan schools, from public schools to international schools, language schools and private schools, all have high standards for their teachers.

So, how does this affect the teaching requirements?

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Kenya?

It’s not a legal requirement, but you still need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Kenya. Most schools require teachers to have at least 120 hours of TEFL training, whereas other teaching jobs might require a Level 5 TEFL certificate or a teaching licence.

English is spoken at a high level in Kenya, and most students look to improve their English with specific goals in mind. By taking an advanced course, you can teach niche subjects like Business English or exam preparation.

Can I teach English without a degree in Kenya?

You don’t technically need a degree to teach English in Kenya, but employers prefer it. Some Kenyan teaching jobs will specifically ask for a degree in education or English, but this is less common. At international schools and universities, English teachers will usually require a master’s degree or above.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad without a degree in Kenya, volunteer positions are worth investigating. There are plenty of reputable organisations that provide classroom experience and training to TEFL teachers who don’t have a degree but want to work in teaching.

Do I need teaching experience to teach in Kenya?

No, but employers prefer it. You can still teach English abroad without experience in Kenya if you have a TEFL certificate. Most entry-level teaching jobs are found in private language schools, but you’ll need to work your way up to a higher salary.

Can I teach in Kenya as a non-native speaker?

Yes, you can teach English as a non-native speaker in Kenya as long as you’ve got a TEFL certificate. You’ll also need to show proof of language skills with a certificate like CEFR, TOEFL, IELTS, or a degree from an English-speaking university.

English is a main language in Kenya, but that doesn’t necessarily mean English is every Kenyan’s first language — sometimes it’s their second or third language. Just bear in mind that in an English-speaking country, the teaching market is much more competitive.

Visa requirements for teaching English in Kenya

You’ll need the right visa and work permit to teach in Kenya legally, and you’ll need to find a job before arriving in Kenya.

• Forms 25 and 27 — completed and signed
• Signed cover letter from the employer, addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
• Passport copy and two passport-sized photographs
• Proof of immigration status
• Clear criminal background check
• Certified copies of academic and professional certificates (including accredited TEFL courses and degree certificates)
• Certificate of registration from employer

Tourists don’t need to apply for a visa, but they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. This makes it easier if you want to find work in Kenya, and then complete a visa-run — but it’s illegal to work while on a tourist visa.

Salary and Cost of Living

Kenya is one of the most expensive East African countries, but it’s still significantly cheaper than countries in Western Europe or North America. Here’s everything you need to know about the teacher salary, expenses, and saving potential in Kenya.

How much can you earn teaching English in Kenya?

If you’ve got a TEFL certificate, you can find a teaching job in Kenya, but you’ll likely earn towards the lower end of this scale if you don’t have experience.

But if you’ve got a bachelor’s or master’s degree in English or education, a teaching licence, and years of teaching experience, you can earn up to KSh 324,000 ($2,500 / £1,940) per month working at an international school.

How much does it cost to live in Kenya?

Kenya’s cost of living is low — around 60% below western countries like the UK or US. An average person can expect to spend around KSh 78,600–96,000 ($605–$740 / £450–£550) per month on rent, food, and other basic living expenses.

If you’re living in Nairobi (where most of the TEFL jobs are), you might expect to spend a bit more — around KSh 122,000–140,000 ($945–$1,080 / £700–£800) per month. But again, it’s significantly cheaper than living in other capital cities around the world.

If you’re on an entry-level salary or you just want to be frugal, here’s how you can save money (while living comfortably) as a teacher in Kenya:

• Live beyond the centre: Nairobi is big, but don’t feel like you need to live dead centre in the city. Living outside the city centre can be up to 50% cheaper than living in popular expat neighbourhoods.
• Eat like a local: Kenyan food is hearty, delicious, and offers excellent value for money. A meal at a hotel (a small restaurant) or kibandas (a kiosk) costs around KSh 450 ($3.40 / £2.50) — less than half the price of a meal at a western restaurant.
• Shop at local markets: Buy fresh food and produce at local markets instead of supermarkets, and avoid buying imported goods if you can.
• Travel during low or shoulder season: As a teacher, you don’t need to rush your travels in Kenya. Try to book your weekend trips or holidays outside the tourist season from July–October — which is also Kenya’s Great Migration season.

English Teaching Jobs in Kenya

Most English teaching jobs in Kenya come in the private sector because public schools prioritise locals who can speak Swahili. Entry- to mid-level teachers are most likely to find jobs at private language schools, whereas very experienced teachers can work at international schools.

It’s possible to enter Kenya and look for work boots-on-the-ground style, but most teachers apply to jobs remotely using platforms like The TEFL Org Jobs Centre.

Public schools

Public schools in Kenya typically hire locally, but it’s possible to find short-term work here through volunteer programmes. Volunteer placements generally focus on conversational English and speaking skills, and class sizes are much larger than at private schools.

The majority of volunteer opportunities in Kenya are through public schools, so if you’re looking to build experience in Kenya, this is a great place to do it as you’ll gain an understanding of national education.

What to expect at public schools in Kenya:

• Large class sizes — 50+ students!
• Assistant teaching with local teacher
• Supporting conversational skills and confidence speaking

Private language schools

Students often head to private language schools to improve specific skills, whether they’re studying exam preparation, English for academic purposes (for studying abroad), or Business English to work at international companies.

Big cities like Nairobi are where you’ll find most private language schools, and they typically hire year-round and requirements are flexible. You’ll need a TEFL certificate, but any experience in unique subjects you have is beneficial, like a TEFL qualification in an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) subject.

What to expect at private language schools in Kenya:

• Evening and weekend classes
• Focus on ESP subjects
• Small class sizes
• Wide age range

International schools

The list of international schools in Kenya is long, with many following British, American, or an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. These schools offer some of the best salaries and benefits, but as a private school that charges high tuition fees, expectations from students, the school, and parents are high from teachers.

What to expect at international schools in Kenya:

• Small class sizes
• Excellent standard of English
• Following an international curriculum
• Excellent salary and benefits but high workload

Private tutoring

Private tutoring is an excellent way to earn an extra income on top of your current job. Business English is useful for Kenyans looking to sharpen language skills for work purposes, while English for Academic Purposes is great for students who want to improve their essay-writing skills or improve their chances of studying abroad.

What to expect as a private tutor in Kenya:

• Flexible but unstable hours
• Using your own curriculum and lesson materials
• Marketing yourself to students

Teaching English in Major Cities

From cities inland to those on the coast of the Indian Ocean, here are some of the best places for English teachers to consider for teaching in Kenya.

Teach English in Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital and by far the largest city in Kenya, has a population of around 5.6 million people — or 16 million if you include its wider metropolitan area. But despite its population, the city is very green, and its safety means that travellers and teachers feel at home instantly.

It’s where teachers can find the majority of TEFL jobs and a high salary. Beyond general English classes, workers in tourism and at international companies look to improve their business English skills.

When you’re not in the classroom, there’s plenty to do in this busy capital. From Nairobi National Park that hosts a variety of species from lions to buffaloes, gazelles, crocodiles, and more, there’s no shortage of opportunities for nature enthusiasts. If you’re a city dweller, head to the National or the Railway Museum, shop for crafts at Maasai Market, or get a picturesque view of the vista on the KICC rooftop helipad.

Teach English in Mombasa

Nestled on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Mombasa’s coastal lifestyle is a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. As Kenya’s second-largest city, it still has a thriving job market and plenty of international schools, but you might find that it’s more competitive here for English teachers, especially with the allure of a beachy lifestyle.

When you’re not teaching English, the city has so much to offer beyond its snorkelling, scuba diving, or surfing. Cycle or stroll through the Butterfly Pavilion if you’re looking to stay active in the shade, or soak up history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Jesus. If you’ve got more time, take the trip to see the wildlife at Tsavo National Park.

Don’t Forget Your TEFL Certificate

Ready for your teaching abroad adventure? But before you head off, don’t forget your TEFL certificate. Most teaching abroad jobs generally require a TEFL certification, but it’s much more than just a box to tick — you’ll develop practical skills and knowledge for the classroom. From dealing with disruptive behaviour, planning engaging lessons, and teaching students grammar structures, you’ll become a skilled and confident teacher by studying the TEFL course.

Get started today with our 120-hour TEFL course.