Moving to a new city within Kenya or abroad for work can be a very exciting, yet daunting experience. Before accepting a relocation, the first and most important question to ask your employer is whether the company has a formal employee relocation policy. A clear policy protects both you and the organisation by setting out exactly what is covered, what is expected, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
Many employees make the mistake of assuming relocation support will be provided, only to find themselves managing the costs and logistics alone. A well-structured relocation policy should outline whether the company will cover moving costs such as professional packing, transportation of household goods, and storage where applicable.
Relocating to another city or country outside Nairobi can be a significant financial undertaking. Ask your employer specifically what is included in the relocation package, whether there are cost caps or limits, and how claims or reimbursements are processed. Understanding this upfront allows you to plan and budget accordingly — and avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.
Key questions to ask:
- Does the company have a written employee relocation policy?
- What relocation costs are covered and up to what amount?
- Will the company arrange a professional moving company on my behalf, or will I need to source one independently?
- Is storage covered if there is a gap between my move-out and move-in dates?
A company that invests in a structured relocation policy demonstrates that it values its people and understands that a smooth transition directly impacts an employee’s productivity, wellbeing, and ability to settle into their new role quickly.
1. Will the Company Cover Relocation Costs?
Relocating to another country or city outside Nairobi can be costly and you should ask whether the company will cover employee relocation costs. Some companies offer relocation packages to help cover expenses such as moving truck fees.
Ask your employer if they will cover the moving expense so you can plan and budget accordingly.
2. Is the Move a Good Fit for Family?
If you have a family, then their needs will take priority when considering relocating abroad for work. Ask if the company will provide support for your family such as international school scholarships for your children or an extensive benefits package. Some companies may offer housing for your family.
Be honest with the needs of your family and find out to what extent the company will help meet the needs of your family.
3. What is the Cost of Living in the Destination City or Country?
Moving to a bigger city usually comes with an increased cost of living. But you don’t have to do much guessing, there are plenty of cost-of-living calculators that can help you compare different cities and countries.
However, it’s best to ask your employer to give an estimate for how much it costs to live in the area so you can see if the salary they are offering will cover your living expenses like rent, food and the commute to work. Also consider utility bills, particularly if you’re moving to a significantly warmer or cooler climate.
You can evaluate your current lifestyle and identify the things that are most important to you that could be impacted by a move. Research and see if you can visit the new city or country to see if it meets your expectations before the move.
4. Does this Relocation Offer Upward Mobility?
Besides confirming salary changes, don’t be afraid to ask if there will be potential career advancements or promotions in the new position. This shows that you can see yourself in the company for a long time and are interested in growing there.
5. What Major Organizational and Cultural Changes Should I Expect?
It’s essential to discuss company culture and learn about the new work and cultural environment. You might be required to wear a different dress code or learn a new language abroad for work and to interact with the community. Ask and research about the destination’s values and practices both in life and at work.
6. What are the Company’s Expectations?
Learn what the company expects from you and see if you can manage the expectations. Some companies have very demanding working hours and deadlines. It is important to know the scope of your role and the deliverables for your employee relocation.
7. Will the Relocation be Handled by a Professional Moving Company?
Working with a professional employee relocation service in Kenya can be a great advantage since they always offer perks you don’t easily get anywhere else. Besides helping with packing and transportation, some offer additional services such as customs clearance and secure storage services to make your move as smooth as possible.
It’s advisable to work with an internationally accredited moving company that coordinates with partners in every city, especially for international relocations. This way you can experience a seamless move free of delays due to coordination problems.
8. Do You Offer a Support System?
This will help you learn how your employer plans to get you acclimatized to your work and social environment. The company might put you in touch with a mentor to help during your relocation and invite you to a host of corporate events where you can get introduced to other colleagues.
Nellions: Kenya’s Leading Corporate Employee Relocation Partner
Relocating for work is one of the most significant career decisions you will ever make — and it demands far more careful evaluation than simply weighing up the job offer on the table. The difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one often comes down to one thing: asking your employer the right questions before you say yes.
From understanding what your relocation package covers, to knowing how the company will support your family’s adjustment, to getting clarity on cost-of-living differences between cities — the questions you ask upfront will define how well-prepared and supported you feel throughout the entire process.
For organisations, managing employee relocations efficiently is equally critical. A poorly handled relocation does not just inconvenience the employee — it affects their productivity, their family’s wellbeing, and ultimately, their commitment to the role. This is why leading HR teams are increasingly partnering with specialist relocation companies to manage the complexity on their behalf.
Nellions Moving & Relocations is Kenya’s trusted partner for corporate employee relocation. We work directly with HR and talent acquisition teams to ensure every transition is handled seamlessly — from professional packing and secure transportation of household goods, to vehicle shipping, school search assistance, and settling-in orientation for the employee and their family. Our goal is simple: to give your staff complete peace of mind, so they can focus on what matters most — performing in their new role from day one.
Call us today on +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke to book a free survey.
