Question 1

Is this safe and legal?

Accepted Answer

Ausbildung is a government-regulated programme overseen by Germany's Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fur Arbeit). Your child's visa comes directly from the German Embassy in Nairobi — not from a recruitment agency. Germany has formal bilateral agreements encouraging skilled immigration. This is not a scam. It is one of the most structured immigration pathways in the world.

Question 2

How much will it cost us?

Accepted Answer

The main costs are: German language lessons (approximately KES 80,000-150,000 total over 12-18 months), visa fee (KES 12,375), document translations (KES 10,000-25,000), flights (KES 60,000-120,000), and initial settling costs. For Ausbildung, there is NO blocked account needed — that is only for university. Total investment is typically KES 200,000-400,000.

Question 3

Will my child earn money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, from the very first month. Ausbildung trainees earn EUR 1,000-1,400 per month (KES 165,000-231,000). This is a real salary, paid monthly, for learning a profession. Many trainees send money home to Kenya while still covering their living costs in Germany.

Question 4

What if they get sick?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany — and it is excellent. Your child will have full health coverage from day one, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental care, and mental health support. The monthly cost is automatically deducted from their salary (approximately EUR 100). This is far more comprehensive than most insurance available in Kenya.

Question 5

Can they come home to visit?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Ausbildung trainees get 24-30 days of annual leave per year. Many Kenyans in Germany come home for Christmas or other holidays. Germany is a 9-hour direct flight from Nairobi. This is not a one-way trip — your child can visit whenever they have leave.

Question 6

Will they be alone in Germany?

Accepted Answer

No. There are established Kenyan communities in every major German city. Church fellowships, WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, and cultural organisations provide support. Many companies also assign mentors to international trainees. Your child will not be alone.

Question 7

Is Ausbildung a real qualification?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, Ausbildung is one of the most respected qualifications. It is a government-certified professional credential recognised across the EU. Many German CEOs, engineers, and healthcare professionals started with an Ausbildung. It is not lesser than university — it is different, and in many fields, it leads to better job prospects and faster career entry.

Question 8

What happens after the 3 years?

Accepted Answer

After completing Ausbildung, your child receives a recognised professional qualification and can apply for a work permit. With a full-time job, they can eventually apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis). They can stay in Germany with a well-paying career, or return to Kenya with a German qualification that opens doors internationally. The choice is theirs.

Question 9

How long is the whole process?

Accepted Answer

Realistically: 12-18 months for German language lessons (reaching B1-B2), 3-6 months for applications and interviews, 2-3 months for visa processing. Total from decision to departure: approximately 18-24 months. The Ausbildung itself is 2-3.5 years. Your child could be earning in Germany within 2 years of starting German lessons.

Question 10

How do I know Zahara is trustworthy?

Accepted Answer

Zahara is not a recruitment agency. We are a technology platform that provides information, tools, and document services. We do not charge for information — all our guides, tools, and readiness assessments are free. You only pay when your child orders a specific document (motivation letter or CV). Our data is stored securely in the EU (Frankfurt, Germany). We are transparent about what we do and how we do it.

Your child wants to go to Germany.
Here is what you need to know.

10 Questions Parents Ask

Why You Can Trust This Information

Your child wants to go to Germany.Here is what you need to know.

10 Questions Parents Ask

Why You Can Trust This Information

Your child wants to go to Germany.
Here is what you need to know.