BRAIN DRAIN:

Definition of brain drain

Brain drain is a phenomenon of abandonment of a country in favor of another by professionals
or people with a high level of education, generally following an offer of better pay or living
conditions (Grubel, 1994), as well as improved conditions for conducting ones professional
activities. Brain drain is also known as human capital flight can also be defined as the emigration
of trained and talented individuals to other nations.
Negative Effects of brain drain on Kenyan economy
Doctors, Engineers, scientists & students leave for the industrialized world hence no work force
available in the market, thus Kenya loses the best brains it needs for its trade and industrial
development. If the number of skilled people leaving is higher than that of people entering (the
so-called brain gain), brain drain can become a challenge, especially if it hits the sensitive spots
of a nations economy in sectors such as science, health care, or technology.
Kenyan government recruits thousands of expatriates from the industrialized West at a cost of
billions every year for example the case of giving tenders to foreigners as it has happened with
the ongoing construction of the standard gauge railway thus government spends more on hiring
expertise from other developed countries.
Another effect of brain drain is the case of Inflation, which is the rate at which the general level
of prices for goods and services is rising and, consequently, the purchasing power of currency is
falling. Kenyans have been experiencing sudden rise of prices of goods, for example fuel price, a
good example unstable prices for petroleum and gas and other food commodities.

Loss of tax revenue that is necessary in development of projects in the country.

Loss of the country's investment in education as most students tend to desire in studying abroad
where they consider they will acquire quality education.
Positive effects of brain drain on Economy
There is more than one side to the brain drain phenomenon though. First, expatriates are a vital
source of income for many countries. According to the World Bank, remittances received by
developing countries totaled up to US $325bn in 2010, more than doubling the US $129bn of aid
raised by the OECD countries in the same year. In many cases, money sent home by expatriates
contributes hugely to the GDP. Tajikistan is leading this statistic with more than a third of its
GDP coming from remittances. On top of that, this private development aid seems to be a
comparatively stable source of income. When foreign investments dropped significantly due to
the global economic crisis in 2009, remittances remained relatively stable, only dropping by
5.5% and recovering again in 2010.
Another positive aspect of global migration and the movement of skilled people is the so-called
brain circulation. According to this concept, migration makes a vivid exchange of knowledge and
ideas possible, which is beneficial for everyone contributing. Considering all the complex facts,
there is no easy answer for how to judge the brain drain phenomenon. Its influence seems to
depend on a variety of factors that are not the same in all parts of the world. Keeping an eye on
migration and its effects will be of major importance in the age of globalization.

Measures that should be taken to curb brain drain in Kenya

Provide better job opportunities irrespective of caste, creed, race or nationality.
Promote people on merit alone, for example promoting a teacher on the basis of experience and
performance.
Provide attractive salaries to highly qualified people on the basis of their qualifications and
experience, such as teachers and other professional
Improve the quality of our universities and bring them at par with universities in Europe and
America.
Provide adequate research facilities either in the field of education such as the Kenya institute of
curriculum development and other medical research institutes.
Pure democracy, encourage human rights and enforce the legislation, strictly keep an eye on the
law and order situation to stable and regulate the factors like corruption, crime etc.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, there is brain drain in Kenya. However, the good news is there is evidence of a
slight decline. Brain drain has both negative and positive effects in a countrys economy and
those involved should put measures to curb the menace. In addition, a good portion of Kenyan
immigrants, and among them more men than women, experienced brain waste. However, this
trend in brain drain has decreased overtime.

References
Uwaifo Oyelere, Ruth (2007) "Brain Drain, Waste or Gain? What We Know About the Kenyan
Case," Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective: Vol. 2: No. 2, Article 2
Beine, M.,DocquierE&Rapoport,H(2006).Alternative measures of the brain drain. Washington,
D.C.: World Bank.
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/economics/causes-and-effects-of-brain-drain-indeveloping-economics-essay.php
https://mic.com/articles/6568/why-brain-drain-may-actually-be-a-goodthing#.GAXNGLg4t