Why Kenya Matters to Me

The allure of foreign countries often lures us to dream of distant shores and new beginnings. Yet, as I reflect on my own journey through 5 months in Uganda and the 5 days spent in Kenya in August 2022, one truth stands clear: Kenya, despite all its challenges, is home.

Home Sweet Home

The moment I stepped off the plane at Mombasa Moi International Airport, a sense of familiarity enveloped me. The #8220;home#8221; feeling was palpable in the sounds of haggling in Swahili at the local spice market and the breathtaking yellow-orange sunrises over Tsavo Park. The crystal clear waters, the mouthwatering cuisine that melds Indian, Middle Eastern, and African flavors, and the friendly people deeply proud of their nation, all contributed to this sense of belonging. These experiences were a stark reminder of why I fall in love with Kenya daily.

Challenges and Choices

However, Kenya is not without its challenges. My love for the country is tinged with a desire for it to be better. It’s a sentiment shared by many who see corruption, unemployment, and a general feeling of powerlessness among their leaders. In my younger days, I too viewed developed countries as the ultimate dream, but as I’ve grown wiser, I’ve come to realize that the pursuit of happiness lies more in personal growth and making a difference where you are.

Opportunities and Hindrances

There are countless opportunities available to Kenyans, but many often overlook them due to a focus on the end results rather than the process. Young Kenyans often cite reasons like corruption, unemployment, and a lack of control over their destiny as motivations to leave the country. However, the reality is almost the same everywhere. Moving abroad to chase dreams isn’t the only solution. Chances are, you’ll end up working just as hard, if not harder, to achieve your goals. Nothing is handed to you for free.

Personal Responsibility and Action

To make a better Kenya, change must come from within. Waiting for someone else to make the changes is a recipe for disappointment. Instead, take the initiative to make the future you want for yourself. Our country's economy will suffer if we continue to rely on handouts from others. Moving abroad can benefit foreign economies, while our homeland remains dependent on those handouts.

Proactive Steps

First, address the issue of corruption by not recycling the same corrupt officials in elections. Instead of expecting change from those in power, focus on paving your own way. Our education system was designed to produce a workforce for colonial masters, stifling critical thinking and creativity. This is why many college graduates flounder in job searches. However, there's no shortage of opportunities for young Kenyans to create their own success through entrepreneurship and innovation. Don't let your dreams be constrained by a fear of failure or self-doubt.

Financial independence and personal fulfillment are paramount. Greed and shortcuts are not sustainable. Keep your income honest and under your control, and you’ll find joy in the simple things. Support yourself and your family without a boss, and you’ll experience a great sense of satisfaction. Living in Kenya allows you to support those around you without the constraints of race or class, elevating your dignity and your community.

Finally, leverage the modern infrastructure available in Kenya. Access skills and knowledge through the internet that might be hard to find elsewhere. Our education system may have failed past generations, but today's internet offers unprecedented access to free learning and marketable skills. Change yourself, and it will be hard not to fall in love with your home.