The challenges faced by most Kenyans who arrive in the US

As the Kenyan Embassy in the United States confirms on the challenges faced by most Kenyans who arrive in the US and get caught up in the culture shock,Immigrants come to the United States to begin a new life, yet they often face difficulties in their new home that they never imagined.

Learning and adjusting are the two operative words that describe most people new to the United States. Most immigrants arrive in new communities only to be faced with immediate challenges to their survival.

Few immigrants are prepared for the changing family and personal dynamics that often occur as they rapidly become more adapted to America.

Most do not fully understand the U.S. legal and social systems and navigating thorough the system at times becomes a total nightmare.

The purpose of the film is to graphically illustrate the effects of challenges experienced by most Kenyans who come to the United States whether immigrating by choice for better opportunities or otherwise.

BY MBUGUA KABA

More Details about challenges faced by Kenyans in US

When Kenyans (and many other immigrants) arrive in the United States, they often face a number of challenges as they adjust to a new country and culture. Some of the main challenges faced by most Kenyans in the U.S. include:

1. Cultural Adjustment (Culture Shock)

Differences in Social Norms: Kenyans may experience culture shock as they adjust to American social norms, values, and behaviors that differ from those they are accustomed to in Kenya.

Communication Styles: The way people communicate in the U.S. can differ from Kenyan communication styles, where indirect communication and respect for authority may play a significant role.

Social Integration: Making new friends, building a support network, and understanding how to fit into American society can be difficult. Some people may feel isolated or disconnected, especially if they don’t have a strong Kenyan community around them.

2. Language Barriers

While many Kenyans speak English, accents and differences in regional dialects (such as Swahili or local Kenyan languages) might cause misunderstandings or difficulties in communication.

Even though English is the official language in Kenya, understanding American slang, idioms, or accents can be challenging, and some may feel insecure about their language skills.

3. Employment Challenges

Job Search: Many immigrants find it challenging to secure employment due to the need for U.S. work experience, professional networks, or certifications. Kenyan qualifications may not always be recognized or valued the same way as American ones.

Underemployment: Many Kenyans end up taking jobs below their qualification levels, especially in the beginning, such as in retail, hospitality, or manual labor. This can be frustrating for individuals with higher degrees or skills.

Workplace Culture: U.S. workplace culture can be very different from what they are used to. For example, there may be more emphasis on individualism, competition, and work-life balance, which might not always align with Kenyan work norms.

4. Financial Challenges

Cost of Living: The cost of living in the U.S. can be high, especially in major cities. Paying for rent, healthcare, education, and everyday expenses can be a significant strain, especially for newcomers without a solid financial base.

Access to Credit: Kenyans may face difficulty in establishing a credit history in the U.S. This is crucial for obtaining loans, renting apartments, or purchasing large items like a car or home.

5. Healthcare System

Navigating Health Insurance: Understanding how health insurance works in the U.S. can be confusing for newcomers. Health insurance may be expensive, and the system is quite different from the one in Kenya, where healthcare is more centralized and sometimes more affordable.

Healthcare Accessibility: Even with insurance, access to healthcare services can be limited due to high costs, deductibles, and co-pays. This can cause challenges for people who are not used to navigating such a complex system.

6. Legal and Immigration Issues

Visa and Immigration Process: Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be confusing and stressful. Kenyans may face long wait times for visa applications, concerns about visa status, or uncertainty about their rights in the country.

Documentation and Bureaucracy: The bureaucracy involved in everything from getting a Social Security number to registering a car can be time-consuming and frustrating for newcomers who are unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system.

7. Education System

Adjusting to the U.S. Education System: For Kenyan students, adjusting to the U.S. education system can be challenging. The grading system, teaching style, and expectations may differ significantly from what they were used to.

Financial Strain: Higher education in the U.S. can be extremely expensive, and many students, particularly international students, struggle with tuition fees, finding scholarships, or balancing part-time work and academics.

8. Racial and Ethnic Identity

Racism and Discrimination: Some Kenyans may experience racism or discrimination, particularly if they are unfamiliar with how race relations work in the U.S. This can be an additional emotional and psychological challenge, especially for those from rural or small-town Kenya who are used to more homogeneous societies.

Feeling of Otherness: The sense of being an outsider or “other” is common, especially if the Kenyan immigrant doesn’t identify with existing immigrant groups in the U.S. It may take time to find a community with similar experiences.

9. Family Separation

Homesickness: Being far away from family and friends in Kenya can lead to feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and emotional stress.

Difficulties in Family Reunion: Reuniting with family members can be a lengthy and expensive process, and the separation from loved ones can create emotional strain.

10. Social Services and Welfare

Accessing Social Services: Some immigrants may find it difficult to navigate U.S. social services, such as public housing, food assistance, or healthcare programs, due to language barriers or a lack of awareness of available resources.

Stigma Around Welfare: There may also be a stigma attached to using welfare or government assistance programs, particularly for people who come from backgrounds where self-reliance is highly valued.

Despite these challenges, many Kenyans who move to the U.S. are able to build successful lives through persistence, community support, and by adapting to the new environment. Having a strong support network of other Kenyans or immigrants can often help ease the transition.

The challenges faced by most Kenyans who arrive in the US