Do Kenyans Face Racism in Germany? An Honest Answer

We Are Not Going to Sugarcoat This

Some articles about moving abroad pretend everything is perfect. We are not going to do that. You deserve honesty, especially about something this important. So here it is, straight: yes, racism exists in Germany. It exists everywhere in the world, including in Kenya. The real question is not "does it exist?" but "what does it actually look like, and can I still build a good life there?"

The answer to that second question is yes. Absolutely yes.

What Racism in Germany Actually Looks Like

Most Kenyans in Germany will not experience daily, aggressive racism. What you are more likely to encounter are subtler things:

• Staring. In smaller towns, people may look at you longer than feels comfortable. This is often curiosity rather than hostility, but it can feel uncomfortable regardless.
• Assumptions. Some people may assume you do not speak German, or that you are a refugee. This fades as you improve your German and integrate.
• Bureaucratic friction. Some Kenyans report feeling that certain officials are less patient with them. This is hard to prove but real to experience.
• Housing challenges. Finding an apartment can be harder with a non-German name. This is a documented issue, and it affects many immigrants, not just Africans.

These things are frustrating. They are unfair. And they should not be dismissed. But they are also not the whole picture.

The Other Side of the Story

For every negative experience, there are many more positive ones that rarely make it into scary WhatsApp forwards. Here is what Kenyans in Germany also report:

• Helpful colleagues and neighbours. Most Germans at your workplace will be professional, friendly, and willing to help you settle in.
• Strong anti-discrimination laws. Germany has robust legal protections against racial discrimination in employment, housing, and public services. These laws have teeth.
• Diverse cities. Cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne are genuinely multicultural. In Frankfurt, over 30% of residents have a migration background. You will not be the only person of colour.
• Kenyan and African communities. There are established Kenyan communities in most major German cities. Churches, social groups, and cultural events exist. You are not arriving to emptiness.

Big City vs Small Town

Your experience will vary significantly based on where you live. This is important to understand:

Big cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne): Very diverse. People are used to seeing faces from everywhere. Racism exists but is less common in daily interactions. More African restaurants, shops, and community groups.

Medium cities (Dortmund, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Bremen): Growing diversity. Generally welcoming, with occasional ignorance rather than hostility.

Small towns and villages: Less diversity means more staring and curiosity. But also the possibility of very warm, close-knit community acceptance once people know you. Many Kenyans in small towns report being embraced once they integrated.

Use our city comparison tool to research different locations before you decide where to go.

How to Handle Difficult Moments

When something happens — and something eventually will — here is what experienced Kenyans in Germany recommend:

1. Learn German well. This is the single biggest thing you can do. When you speak German fluently, most barriers dissolve. People respect the effort and treat you differently.
2. Know your rights. Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects you. If you face discrimination at work or in housing, you have legal recourse.
3. Document incidents. If something serious happens, write down the details. Time, place, what was said, witnesses.
4. Build your community. Having Kenyan and international friends who understand your experience makes everything easier. Join groups, attend events, be proactive.
5. Do not generalise. One bad experience with one person does not define an entire country. Just as you would not want someone to judge all Kenyans by one person's actions.

The Honest Bottom Line

Germany is not perfect. No country is. Racism is a real issue that the country is actively working on, though progress is slow. But Germany is also a place where Kenyans build successful careers, raise families, earn good money, and live with dignity and legal protection.

The vast majority of Kenyans in Germany will tell you: the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. The good days vastly outnumber the bad ones. And the life you can build there — for yourself and your family — is worth the discomfort of the occasional ignorant comment.

If you are ready to take the next step despite the imperfections, check your readiness score and start preparing with the right information. Knowledge is your best armour.

You are tougher than you think. And Germany, for all its flaws, might be exactly where you need to be.