Relocating to a new country often comes with excitement, culture shocks, and lessons that reshape how one views life. For celebrated Kenyan media personality Jeridah Andayi, her move from Nairobi to the United States has been nothing short of eye-opening.
Having left behind a flourishing radio career in Kenya, Jeridah is now adjusting to the realities of American life. On Thursday, September 11, she candidly shared four key lessons she has learned so far—lessons that many Kenyans abroad could easily relate to.
The first, she noted with humor, is the American obsession with ice. In Kenya, water or soda is served as it is, but in the US, a glass is first filled with ice before any drink is poured. “You become used to it,” she joked, adding that “God saved us from a sore throat.”
The second adjustment is around timekeeping. Jeridah explained that back home, saying “I’m on the way” could mean someone is still getting ready or even just waking up. But in America, punctuality is strictly observed. “If you say 3pm, they arrive by 2:55. You are either on time or rude,” she remarked.
Her third lesson involves accents and communication. While Kenyans widely speak and understand English, she found that differences in accents and slang can lead to misunderstandings in the US. She has since learned to accept this as part of the settling-in process.
Finally, Jeridah highlighted how walking—something ordinary in Nairobi—can raise eyebrows in some American neighborhoods. Taking a simple walk often leads to curious stares or questions about whether her car broke down. “Walking is suspicious here. This is a red flag,” she observed.
Her reflections quickly resonated with Kenyans online, sparking conversations about the cultural adjustments that come with living abroad. Some, like Patricia Kadenge, laughed at the timekeeping lesson, saying, “In Kenya, 3pm equals 5pm. Punctuality humbles you outside of Kenya.” Others shared their own struggles, from food culture shocks to language barriers.
Through her experience, Jeridah Andayi has reminded many that chasing the “American dream” comes with its fair share of challenges. It requires patience, humility, and adaptability. Yet, in sharing her story, she not only connects with fellow Kenyans abroad but also inspires those back home to understand that success abroad is built on small, everyday lessons.
