You have finally decided to come back home, but now your stomach is doing somersaults just thinking about telling your boss. That conversation feels heavier than a water drum during a dry season, especially when your job is your lifeline.
Pole, but this article breaks down exactly how to have that chat without burning bridges or losing your mind. Follow these simple steps and you will have your resignation letter ready in under ten minutes.
What You Need Before You Start
- Updated CV and Portfolio: Your employer will ask for your transition plan. Have your current CV ready with your Kenyan address and contacts. This shows you are serious about the move.
- Signed Employment Contract: Dig out your original contract. Check the notice period, non-compete clauses, and any relocation repayment terms. You need this to avoid surprises.
- KRA PIN Certificate: You need this for tax purposes if you are switching to a Kenyan-based contract or starting a side hustle. Get it online at iTax in ten minutes. It is free.
- Notice Period Calculation: Count your days carefully. Most international jobs require 30 to 90 days notice. Mark your last working day on a calendar before you speak to anyone.
- Backup Savings: Keep at least three months of living expenses in KES. Exchange rates can shake you. Have about KES 150,000 to KES 300,000 ready for the transition period.
- Relocation Timeline: Know your exact moving date. Your employer will ask when you plan to leave. Have your flight booking or shipping timeline ready to show.
Step-by-Step: How to Tell Your Employer Abroad You Are Moving Back to Kenya in Kenya
Follow these seven steps and you will handle the conversation like a pro in under one week.
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Step 1: Schedule a Private Video Call
Do not send this news via email or WhatsApp. Book a 15-minute one-on-one video call with your direct supervisor. Choose a time when both of you are fresh, not during a Monday morning rush or Friday evening wind-down.
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Step 2: Lead with Gratitude, Not Guilt
Start the call by thanking your boss for the opportunity. Say something like “I have learned so much working with this team.” This softens the ground. Kenyans know that heshima goes a long way in any conversation.
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Step 3: State Your Decision Clearly and Firmly
Say “I am moving back to Kenya permanently” without wavering. Do not say “I am thinking of moving” or “I might go back.” Ambiguity creates confusion. Be direct but polite. Your boss will respect your clarity.
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Step 4: Present Your Transition Plan
Share a one-page document showing your notice period, handover timeline, and last working day. Include who will take over your tasks. This shows you are professional. Your employer will appreciate that you thought ahead like a true Mkenya mwenye mpango.
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Step 5: Discuss Remote Work Possibilities
If you want to keep earning, ask if you can transition to a remote contractor role. Many employers prefer retaining good staff. Mention that Kenya has reliable internet and a three-hour time difference that can work in their favour.
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Step 6: Confirm the Notice Period in Writing
After the call, send a follow-up email summarising everything you discussed. Include your notice period, handover plan, and last working day. This protects you legally. Keep a copy for your records in case of disputes.
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Step 7: Submit Your Formal Resignation Letter
Use your company’s official HR portal or email the HR department directly. Attach your signed resignation letter. Do this within 24 hours of your verbal notice. Delays make you look unserious and can complicate your exit clearance.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your Employer Refuses to Accept Your Notice
Some bosses will try to guilt you into staying longer or refuse to acknowledge your resignation. Stay calm and refer them to your signed contract. If they still resist, escalate to HR via email with your contract clause attached. Do not argue emotionally.
They Demand You Repay Relocation Costs
This catches many Kenyans off guard. Check your contract for a repayment clause that requires you to refund relocation money if you leave within a certain period. If the clause exists, negotiate a payment plan. If it does not exist, politely decline citing the contract terms.
Your Notice Period Clashes with Your Moving Date
You booked your flight but your notice period is longer than expected. Write a formal request to reduce the notice period. Offer to train your replacement remotely from Kenya. Most employers will agree if you show commitment to a smooth handover.
They Offer a Counter-Offer That Confuses You
Your boss suddenly offers a raise or promotion to keep you. Ask for 48 hours to think. Compare the offer against your reasons for moving back. If family or lifestyle is your priority, money will not fix the loneliness abroad. Trust your original decision.
Cost and Timeline for How to Tell Your Employer Abroad You Are Moving Back to Kenya in Kenya
The process itself costs you nothing in government fees. The main expense is your time and any early exit penalties from your employer. Here is what to expect:
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| KRA PIN certificate (if missing) | Free | 10 minutes online at iTax |
| Resignation letter drafting | Free (do it yourself) | 30 minutes |
| Contract review by lawyer (optional) | 2,000 – 5,000 | 1 to 2 days |
| Exit clearance from employer | Free | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Potential relocation repayment | Varies by contract | Negotiable |
The hidden cost many Kenyans forget is the notice period gap. If your new job in Kenya starts before your notice ends, you lose that income. Plan for at least one month without salary between jobs. These costs are the same across all counties since everything is done online or via email.
The Bottom Line
Telling your employer abroad that you are moving back to Kenya is never easy, but it does not have to be a battlefield. Handle it with honesty, professionalism, and proper timing, and you will leave with your reputation intact and your references glowing. The secret is preparation before conversation.
Have you already had this conversation with your boss? Share your experience in the comments below so other Kenyans can learn from your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Tell Your Employer Abroad You Are Moving Back to Kenya in Kenya
Can my employer force me to work the full notice period?
Yes, they can hold you to the notice period written in your contract. You signed it, so you are bound by those terms unless both parties agree otherwise.
If you leave early without agreement, they may withhold your final pay or demand repayment of relocation costs. Always negotiate in writing first.
What if my employer fires me after I give notice?
Some employers react badly and terminate you immediately. Check your contract for a payment in lieu of notice clause. If it exists, they must pay you for the notice period.
If they fire you without cause, you may be entitled to severance. Consult a labour lawyer in Kenya if this happens to protect your rights.
Should I tell my colleagues before telling my boss?
Never. Telling colleagues first creates gossip and your boss may hear from someone else. This damages trust and makes you look unprofessional.
Always inform your direct supervisor first in a private setting. After that, you can share the news with your team freely.
Can I switch to a remote contract while living in Kenya?
Yes, many employers agree to this if your role allows remote work. Propose it during your notice conversation as an option before resigning fully.
You will need a stable internet connection and a proper home office setup. Also check if your employer has any restrictions on hiring Kenyan-based contractors.
What happens to my pension or retirement savings when I leave?
This depends on your employer’s country and your pension scheme. Some allow you to withdraw the funds, while others require you to keep the account until retirement age.
Contact your pension provider directly and ask about options for non-resident members. You may need to provide your KRA PIN and Kenyan bank details for any payouts.