Tom Mboya Opiyo, an IT professional, was set to start a new job at Amazon, a global
multinational technology company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, on Monday, January
4, 2023.
However, just four days before the reporting date, he received a phone call informing
him that the deal had fallen through due to changes in the organization’s annual review.
Opiyo shared his disappointment on LinkedIn, stating that his family had been planning
for the move for six months.
He had even sold his cars and household items, moved out of his house, and taken his
children out of their schools in preparation for the opportunity.
Previously, Opiyo had quit his job as the Head of ICT at Unga Group Limited after
receiving the job offer from Amazon. Reflecting on the experience, he urged others
taking global appointments to take into account the risks and suggested mitigations
such as not resigning from their current employment until a visa is acquired and
traveling first before involving the family.
In December 2022, Unga Group Limited organized a farewell party for Opiyo in
appreciation for his six years and five months at the company.
Lost Job Offer at Amazon: Kenyan IT Professional’s Narrated His Cautionary Story for Global Appointments
