Over the years, several Kenyan celebrities have moved to the United States in search of better opportunities, with many seeking to explore new career paths, reunite with family, or simply pursue a better quality of life. From musicians to comedians and media personalities, these celebs have embraced life in the US, often sharing snippets of their experiences with fans back home.
Here are some of the Kenyan celebrities who have made the move to the US for greener pastures:
1. Edday Nderitu
In 2022, Edday Nderitu, wife of Mugithi musician Samidoh Muchoki, relocated to the US with her three children. Initially, many people speculated that she would eventually return to Kenya, but Edday made it clear that she had no intention of coming back. She revealed that her decision was partly driven by years of struggles in her marriage, particularly with Samidoh’s relationship with nominated senator Karen Nyamu. Edday stated that if she hadn’t moved to the US, her daughter would have ended up in rehab. Now, settled abroad, she has started a new chapter for herself and her children.
2. Jeridah Andayi and Her Family
Jeridah Andayi, the renowned journalist, made the move to the US in 2024, leaving behind her media career in Kenya. She relocated with her kids to join her husband and has been giving her followers glimpses into her new life. Recently, she was seen browsing for nursing jobs online, suggesting that she is starting a new career in the healthcare field.
3. Gloria Muliro
Gospel singer Gloria Muliro found love in the US and decided to relocate. After a traditional wedding in Eldoret in 2021, she tied the knot with Evans Sabwami in a white wedding in New York later that same year. Gloria Muliro’s relocation to the US was primarily motivated by her marriage, and she has shared plans of opening a church in New York alongside her husband.
4. David The Student
Comedian David The Student, known for his stint on Churchill Show, has been thriving in the US after relocating. Despite facing financial challenges in 2018, he has since found success abroad. His social media posts showcase his new lifestyle, which includes traveling and working in the entertainment industry.
5. Karis (Comedian)
Karis, another former Churchill Show comedian, moved to the US to seek greener pastures. He joined the US Army and has been living life in the States with no regrets. Karis frequently shares photos of his luxurious lifestyle, including driving swanky cars, which indicate that life in the US is treating him well.
6. Benachi
Kenyan musician Benachi is another celebrity who has embraced life in the US. In an interview, Benachi revealed how he relocated after being advised to marry an American woman to gain citizenship. After a year of dating, he married his American partner and became a Kenyan-American citizen. He has since flourished in his new environment and has opened up about the challenges of relocating.
7. Msupa S
Kenyan musician Msupa S moved to the US in 2020 after finding fame in Kenya. She married her Kenyan-American husband, Tim, in November 2022. Tim had won a green card in 2008 and had relocated to the US, and after marrying, Msupa S became a US citizen. The couple is now settled in the US, and Msupa S continues her career as a musician.
Challenges and Success Stories
While life abroad might seem glamorous, it’s not always without challenges. For some, the transition can be difficult, especially when it comes to adjusting to a new culture, career changes, and being away from home. However, many of these celebrities have shared their resilience and perseverance as they navigate life in the US. They serve as examples of the drive and determination that continue to shape the African diaspora’s narrative in the United States.
Kenyan celebrities like Edday Nderitu, Jeridah Andayi, Gloria Muliro, David The Student, Karis, Benachi, and Msupa S have embraced the opportunities that the US has to offer. Whether it’s for love, career, or the promise of a better life, these stars have forged their own paths in a new land, and their stories continue to inspire many who are considering similar moves.