Expat NGO workers and volunteers in Kenya urged to go home

 I read a brilliantly articulated article by Lily Kuo.  In the article, she raised a lot of issues about the development industry. The article demonstrates the aspect of Neo colonialism that is now propagated as 'development interventions' in Africa. The article also highlights the resentment to what is termed the ‘White saviour complex’.  Issues raised included the pay discrepancy between the expat NGO and local workers as well as hiring foreign workers when there are over qualified Kenyans. 

When people talk about development projects in African countries and the NGOs who are seen to be doing ‘good’ in these communities, there is often some suspicion that comes with the motives of these ‘altruistic’ organisations. In many African countries, many foreign workers live in gated communities, living a life of luxury while many of the people in the host country wallow in abject poverty. There is a dissonance between the agendas of some NGOs and the lifestyle that the workers live. 

The problem really in Africa is not the NGOs and the expat workers. Antecedent to NGOs are the various communities that do not have any connections with the government and without the help of NGOs, these communities risk devastation.  There are several examples of NGO contribution to development especially in poor communities. I understand the issues of transferring and building local capacities. There is also the need to bridge the pay gap between the foreign and local workers. However, a great move should be in holding the African leadership to account, promoting good governance and working together for the good of the communities.

Read article: http://qz.com/716518/kenya-is-pressuring-thousands-of-expat-ngo-workers-and-volunteers-to-go-home/