Former radio presenter Jeridah Andayi has spoken candidly about the unrealistic expectations Kenyans place on those living in the United States, pushing back on the idea that moving abroad automatically translates to a lavish lifestyle.
On Thursday, October 29, Jeridah took to social media to address a question she says she receives constantly from followers.
What did Jeridah Andayi say about US life?
“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.
Jeridah, who relocated to the US with her children, was blunt about the reality many immigrants face. She explained that arriving in a new country does not mean walking into ready-made wealth, and that most people have to rebuild their lives entirely 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, adding that she has personally met people who are deeply stressed by the financial pressure placed on them by relatives back home.
She noted that families often expect those abroad to immediately start providing in a big way, without understanding that settling into a new country is a gradual process.
“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 diaspora Kenyans stay quiet about their struggles. “People abroad don’t talk about it because it will break the hearts of those back home,” she explained.
In her caption, she expanded on this further, pointing out that not every person 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.
And those goals may not even be about getting rich or living lavishly. Maybe you just want peace of mind, or an opportunity to do something different. Not everyone abroad is chasing luxury,” she wrote.
Her post struck a chord with many followers, particularly those who could relate to her experience.
@joy_mutegi:
“Thank you for speaking for us.”
@reddie.opra:
“They want you to live a movie star life since you are in the US.”
@trizahshiro:
“Keep living your life, and your skin is goals.”
@emsochieng:
“Thank you. And not everyone is chasing luxury.”
@i_am_neslanhappy:
“We have trees that have dollars to be plucked. They will never understand.”
