Kenyan Migrant Says Life in UK Is Harder Than Many Back Home Believe

A Kenyan man living in the United Kingdom has shared his views on the realities of migration, saying that life overseas is often more difficult than many people in Kenya believe.

Kang Kelvin, who has lived in both Kenya and the UK, challenged the common perception that moving abroad automatically leads to a better or more comfortable life. He said many people see migration as a solution to economic difficulties, yet immigrants frequently face challenges that are not visible to those back home.

According to Kelvin, the high cost of living in Britain places significant pressure on many migrants. He pointed to expenses such as rent, taxes and daily household costs, which can be difficult to manage even for people in full-time employment. 

He noted that relatives and friends in Kenya often assume migrants are financially secure, without fully understanding these pressures. Kelvin said migration involves a balance between opportunity and sacrifice. 

While countries such as the UK offer stronger infrastructure and wider employment opportunities, he noted that immigrants often experience loneliness, cultural adjustment and ongoing pressure to succeed. For some, he said, these challenges can reduce the benefits they expected from moving abroad.

He also spoke about the reactions migrants receive when they express a desire to return home. Kelvin said such views are sometimes dismissed by people in Kenya, who point to challenges such as unemployment and the rising cost of living. 

However, he argued that migrants are in a position to compare life in both countries because they have experienced each firsthand. His comments resonated with many Kenyans living abroad, some of whom shared similar experiences. 

While acknowledging the opportunities available through migration, several said they also face emotional strain from being separated from family and familiar support networks. Others noted that the financial demands of life in Europe can be as challenging as those faced in Kenya.

Kelvin's remarks have contributed to ongoing discussions within the diaspora about the difference between expectations and the realities of life abroad. They highlight the economic, emotional and cultural factors that shape the migrant experience.

“Every place has its own battles,” Kelvin said, adding that missing home should not be viewed as ingratitude but as part of the emotional and financial challenges many immigrants face.