Former radio presenter Jeridah Andayi has dismissed the unrealistic expectations Kenyans place on those living in the United States, rejecting the belief that moving abroad automatically brings a lavish lifestyle.
“I don’t know what you know about living in the US”
Jeridah took to social media to respond to a question she says followers ask her constantly: why she does not look like she lives in the United States.
“I get this a lot — people asking why I don’t look like I live in the US. I don’t know what you know about living in the US because it’s different for every person,” she said.
“You start from scratch”
Jeridah, who relocated to the US with her children, spoke plainly about what many immigrants face. She said arriving in a new country does not mean stepping into ready-made wealth. Most people, she explained, must rebuild their lives from the ground up.
“You don’t go to a different country and find a bunch of money waiting for you. You start from scratch,” she said.
Pressure from relatives back home
She added that she has met people who are deeply stressed by financial pressure from relatives back home. According to her, families often expect those abroad to start providing in a big way straight away, without understanding that settling into a new country takes time.
“That is a journey that you have to travel. Don’t expect magic or miracles to happen,” she said.
Jeridah also shed light on why many Kenyans in the diaspora keep their struggles to themselves.
“People abroad don’t talk about it because it will break the hearts of those back home,” she said.
Not everyone is chasing luxury
In her caption, she added that not everyone who moves to America is chasing wealth or fame.
“People expect you to move to America and start living the Hollywood lifestyle. Sometimes, you’re simply starting afresh. Working towards your goals, one day at a time.”
Followers react
Many followers who could relate to her experience flooded the comment section with messages of support.
“Thank you for speaking for us,” wrote @joy_mutegi.
@reddie.opra said some people expect a “movie star life” from anyone based in the US.
Another user, @i_am_neslanhappy, wrote: “We have trees that have dollars to be plucked. They will never understand.”
