Here’s Why Your Loved One in America Isn’t Visiting Kenya Anytime Soon

Many Kenyans living in the United States face significant challenges in returning home, with strict immigration laws and high travel costs acting as major barriers to frequent visits.

For many members of the Kenyan diaspora, the desire to reconnect with family and community is often thwarted by the complexities of US immigration policies and the financial strain of international travel. Damaris Obiero, a Kenyan resident in the US, recently noted the harsh realities of overstaying a visa. 

She explained that staying beyond six months without legal status leads to a three-year ban from re-entering the US, while overstaying for a year or more results in a ten-year ban. For many, leaving the US for even a brief visit could jeopardise their ability to return, making the choice to remain a matter of protecting their long-term future rather than a lack of desire to visit home.

In addition to legal barriers, the cost of travelling to Kenya presents another challenge. Amos Orwa, another Kenyan based in the US, shared that his family’s last trip to Kenya cost around $8,500 in airfares alone, equivalent to roughly KSh1 million. With added expenses for accommodation, food, transport, and social obligations, the total cost of a month-long visit can exceed KSh2.5 million. 

For families with children, the financial burden becomes even more pronounced, and there is often pressure to maintain appearances by hiring a vehicle and fulfilling social expectations in rural areas. Legal constraints and high costs combine to limit the ability of many Kenyans in the US to visit home frequently. 

For some, the decision to stay abroad is driven by necessity rather than choice, as they seek to avoid jeopardising their future prospects. This reality is often misunderstood by those waiting for them back home, further complicating the already complex nature of migration. Beyond the personal impact, these barriers also affect the role of the diaspora in supporting families and contributing to national development.