Stay Informed & Get Ahead
Whether you’re a student, a young professional, a parent, or a recent arrival, staying up to date on news, opportunities, and programs in France can make a huge difference in your journey. From scholarships to visa policy changes and exciting events in the Kenyan-French community, here’s your essential guide to what to watch, where to look, and how to benefit.
📰 1. Immigration and Legal Updates
France regularly updates immigration laws that affect non-EU nationals—including Kenyans. Here are key areas to track:
- Student visa renewals: Changes in timelines, new requirements for proof of income, or medical insurance.
- Post-study permits: Updates to the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) for job seekers after graduation.
- Work permit rules: New quotas or procedures for foreign workers and entrepreneurs.
- Family reunification policies for spouses and dependents.
📌 Where to check:
- France Visas
- Service-Public.fr
- Embassy of Kenya in Paris website and social pages
🎓 2. Scholarships and Education Opportunities
Several French institutions and international bodies offer funding for Kenyan students, including:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – for master’s and PhD students
- Campus France Scholarships – for higher education in engineering, business, and more
- AUF (Francophone University Agency) – for students from African nations studying in French
- Erasmus+ – for students doing part of their studies in other EU countries
📚 Tip: Many Kenyan students miss deadlines simply because they aren’t aware. Join academic networks and follow Campus France Kenya for real-time updates.
💼 3. Jobs, Internships, and Volunteering
Looking to work or gain experience in France? Here’s where to find open doors:
📌 For Students & Graduates:
- Internships in multinational companies (many offer English-speaking environments)
- Teaching assistant programs (like TAPIF – Teaching Assistant Program in France)
- Graduate job fairs in Paris and Lyon
📌 For Skilled Professionals:
- French employers often look for IT, healthcare, and engineering profiles
- Talent Passport Visa for highly qualified professionals and researchers
📌 For Volunteers:
- Organizations like France Volontaires offer paid volunteer roles (ideal for recent grads)
- Cultural and humanitarian NGOs welcome African diaspora involvement
🔎 Where to search:
- LinkedIn France
- Indeed.fr
- France Travail (the national employment agency)
- Local Facebook and WhatsApp job groups for Kenyans in France
🇰🇪 4. Kenyan Diaspora Events and Announcements
Stay plugged into the community! Every year, there are:
- Kenya Independence Day celebrations (December 12th)
- Diaspora business expos promoting African entrepreneurs in France
- Kenyan church services, concerts, and cultural festivals in cities like Paris and Marseille
- Embassy announcements for ID/passport renewals, mobile consular visits, and diaspora meetings
🧭 How to stay informed:
- Join Kenyan diaspora WhatsApp groups or Telegram channels
- Follow Kenya Embassy Paris on Facebook and Twitter
- Subscribe to newsletters from Kenyan student associations or diaspora networks
🌍 5. Special Programs for Africans in France
France is investing in African talent. Look out for:
- Africa-France Young Leaders Program – connects young African professionals with French industry leaders
- French Tech for Africa – startups, mentorship, and funding for tech-savvy entrepreneurs
- Pan-African research grants from CNRS, IRD, or universities with African partnerships
🚀 Pro Tip: These programs often include funding, residency permits, and even pathways to permanent settlement.
📌 6. Community Noticeboard
Here are current (or recurring) opportunities and events you may want to check out:
| 🔔 Opportunity | Description | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Scholarship 2025 | Fully funded master’s and PhD | January 2025 |
| TAPIF 2025-2026 | Paid English teaching in France | February 2025 |
| African Diaspora Investment Forum | Network with investors | November 2024 |
| Embassy Consular Visit (Lyon) | Renew passports, IDs | September 2024 |
📣 Want to add an event or notice? Reach out to us via email or comment below.
✨ Final Word
Information is power especially when you’re navigating life abroad. As a Kenyan in France, staying connected to the right updates and networks helps you grow, seize new opportunities, and feel more rooted in your new home.
Whether it’s a job posting, a funding call, or a local celebration of Kenyan culture, don’t miss out your next big break might just be one click away.
