- Brian Wafula Waliahula left for Australia 12 years ago in search of greener pastures
- With a degree in pharmacy, he hoped to continue enjoying the high-value titles he was used to in Kenya, like "daktari"
- Wafula ran into culture shock when he landed abroad, and the only eligible openings he could secure were construction jobs
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Brian Wafula Waliahula’s life took a new path on August 19, 2022, when he finally received his visa to Australia.
The wait had been long and nerve-wracking, but it was worth every struggle because of what lay ahead.
Why did Wafula leave Kenya for Australia?
Wafula told TUKO.co.ke that before moving to Australia, he had struggled to find stable employment in Kenya despite holding a degree in pharmacy.
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He worked as a pharmaceutical technician, but lacking growth opportunities pushed him to seek better prospects abroad.
"My father, a teacher in Nandi County, heard about other teachers relocating abroad and encouraged me to try," he started.
Without returning home to say goodbye, Wafula left Nairobi and embarked on a journey that would change his life forever.
How was Wafula's first experience in Australia?
After securing the visa, his father quickly arranged a flight with the help of an agent.
The first two weeks were spent in Toowoomba, a small, quiet town that greeted him with chilly weather.
It starkly contrasted the bustling life and homely weather he had left behind in Nairobi.
Wafula noted that he relocated on a student visa, a decision that came with challenges.
The first months were difficult as he had to do manual jobs to manage rent and high expenses.
How is Wafula's situation abroad now?
After settling in, Wafula moved to Brisbane and began rebuilding his life from scratch.
"I did AirTasker, where you do gardening or other manual jobs and get paid for your time. Then came the real labour—carrying cement, and laying slabs," he recounted.
The prestigious title of 'Daktari' he had earned in Kenya was left behind; in Australia, titles meant little, and everyone started from scratch.
His situation improved when he secured a job as a support worker, allowing him to cover his expenses and support himself more comfortably.
Wafula is now transitioning to work as a pharmacist, a journey that requires resilience and a willingness to adapt.
Kenyan man makes millions months after moving to Qatar
Elsewhere, Sammy Lumash from Busia embarked on a journey of hope and ambition when he decided to relocate to Qatar in search of greener pastures.
After arriving in Qatar, he initially worked as a security guard but realized it was not enough to achieve his goals, which included building his mother a house.
With increasing income months after moving to the Middle East, he fulfilled his dream of building in Busia.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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