Kenyans have discovered a lucrative way to monetize their language skills, earning up to Sh30,000 per day as interpreters at international events. This innovative approach not only creates employment opportunities for hundreds of Kenyans but also saves event planners the hassle of hiring foreign translators.

The initiative, spearheaded by startups like Elite Translators and Talk Plan Limited, provides interpreting services in multiple languages, including French, Mandarin, and German. According to a report by The Star newspaper, this venture has resolved two problems simultaneously, creating a win-win situation for both Kenyan language experts and event planners.

Thirty-year-old James Osewe, founder of Elite Translators, has been at the forefront of this movement. His startup, which specializes in interpreting services for at least ten international languages, has expanded to various countries in the continent, including Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Rwanda. Osewe employs and trains fellow Kenyans proficient in different languages to become interpreters, often bolstering his 5-man team with freelance interpreters when needed.

Osewe's team can be booked for up to 8 events on a good day, spanning the Kenyan market. This demand is a testament to the growing need for language services in the region. Another player in the industry, Andrew Majaliwa, co-founded Talk Plan Limited with his wife, Janet Mugasia, in 2010. As fluent Mandarin speakers, they initially focused on serving the growing number of Chinese businesses in the region.

However, they have since expanded their services to include Portuguese, French, Arabic, and German. Majaliwa credits China's interest in Africa at the beginning of the century as an eye-opener, which led him and his wife to ride on their diverse networks to net customers, mostly Chinese state officials who were in talks with the Mwai Kibaki administration on various infrastructure projects.

Majaliwa's company has played a significant role in negotiations of various infrastructure projects in the country, including the Thika Super Highway. This success story highlights the potential of language skills as a lucrative career path, especially in a region where international events and business negotiations are becoming increasingly common.

The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with the potential to create employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans and Africans alike. As the demand for language services continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this industry evolves and expands in the coming years.

In conclusion, the innovative approach of Kenyan language experts has not only created a new revenue stream but also addressed a significant need in the market. As the African continent continues to integrate and globalize, the importance of language services will only continue to grow, making this a trend worth watching.