Eastleigh labourers fight stiff competition as foreign workers flood market

Before dawn every day, while the rest of Nairobi is still wrapped in slumber, Eastleigh erupts with activity.

Many of those awake at this hour are labourers, from both the local community and other parts of the city, who are seeking work to put food on their tables that particular day.

For most of the people taking these jobs, the policy is first come, first served, hence the need to arise early. The reality is that the competition is still, in a country where a high unemployment rate remains a key concern.

As the day progresses, many labourers find themselves idling outside buildings, somewhat despaired but also hopeful for work before the close of business.

Stella Moraa, a resident of the Majengo slum, knows this struggle all too well.

For the past 13 years, Moraa has been a day housekeeper in Eastleigh, the only option she had to provide for her three children.

"In my 13 years here, I've never seen such intense competition," she says. Employers prefer the cheaper labour offered by foreigners, leaving us struggling to make ends meet."

Forced to drop charges

Moraa reminisces about a time when she earned at least Sh2,000 daily, noting that she now takes home as little as Sh300, as she has to level the playing field to be selected over the foreign labourers.

"Half a day of work as a domestic helper can fetch around Sh4,000 a month, while a full day can earn you between Sh8,000 and Sh10,000, depending on the employer," she says, noting however that foreign labourers are willing to take the Sh4,000, even for roles as stay-at-home nannies, which means they must also drop their charges.

"In the past, we earned as much as Sh15,000 for a full-time house manager position but nowadays, many employers prefer foreign workers, presenting a significant challenge for us and our families."

Esther Nyambura, a mother of one, shares Moraa's concerns

"I used to juggle work for more than four households every day, and the pay was good, Nyambura says.

"Working half a day for each household, I earned as much as Sh20,000 a month but now, I'm lucky if I make anything at all.  I sometimes find myself idle all day, with no one requiring my services."

She says she currently works at two homes, each paying Sh4,000 per month.

"It's barely enough to cover my expenses and my child's education," she says. "The competition gets fiercer as more foreigners arrive, vying for the same manual labour jobs."

Construction worker James Rudrige at a site in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on April 3, 2024. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

No guarantees

With limited options for white-collar jobs due to a lack of proper documentation, many foreigners are willing to accept low wages for manual labour.

James Rudrige, a construction worker from Tanzania, says finding work is "tough" given the "race to be the first in line."

"Even then, there's no guarantee of employment," he explains.

"Securing a job at construction sites isn't a walk in the park as it's usually on a first-come, first-served basis. That's why I make it a point to arrive early every day. Typically, manual labourers are paid between Sh450 and Sh500, depending on the site."

Rudrige adds that the work has many ups and downs, with the stiff competition sometimes leaving him without work for days.

"There are seasons where it feels like I'm constantly hitting dead ends. You show up at a site only to be told they've already filled their quota. It's a cycle that repeats itself," he shares.

Moses Obuth, a foreman at a construction site in Eastleigh, Nairobi, poses for a picture during an in interview on April 3, 2024. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

Meeting standards

Moses Obuth, a foreman, grapples with the overwhelming task of managing large crowds of job seekers.

"We select labourers weekly but our decision hinges on their performance. If they don't meet our standards we replace them," he explains.

Still, with a steady stream of job seekers, Obuth says he and his team try to instill fairness in the chaos.

"We prioritise those with proper identification, regardless of nationality but sometimes, it's overwhelming," he says.

"We've encountered scenarios where individuals provide their identification and then vanish, only to reappear when it's time for payment," he adds. "That's why we sometimes prefer to work with people we already know and trust."

Despite the challenges, workers like Rudrige acknowledge the rewarding nature of their work in a fast-growing business hub that attracts people both locally and from neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda.