In the quest for life fulfilment and promising opportunities, a considerable number of Kenyans set out to the diaspora annually.
However, the challenges and hardships faced by these individuals, especially asylum seekers, often go unnoticed.
33-year-old Daniel Wanyeki recently relocated to Canada, making a bold decision to leave his rather well-paying bank job behind. Despite holding a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, he had been a banker.
With his documents and belongings in hand, Wanyeki embarked on his new path in a foreign land. Little did he know that his decision would turn out to be a sharp dagger, slowly taking the happiness he once had away from him
Upon arrival in Ontario, Wanyeki found himself homeless, ultimately contradicting the dreams that fuelled his ambition. All asylum shelters in Canada have been full since October 2022.
In an interview with CBC News Canada, Wanyeki explains to correspondent Cara Nickerson his situation, where he is forced to live on the streets of Hamilton.
“What you expect when you come from Africa is that you will get a good house. You’ll get work. At first, you just don’t know,” he stated.
In hopes of overcoming his current challenge, Daniel Wanyeki is determined to obtain his driver’s license in Canada. He plans to pursue a career as a truck driver.
Wanyeki settled on this decision after carefully analysing the job market and noticing a shortage of labour.
Wanyeki also made friends with fellow 37-year-old Kenyan asylum seeker Cyprian Ontita. He was a youth worker in Kenya, before eventually making the move to Quebec City and then Toronto.
Ontita explained that he found himself sleeping outdoors as he was unable to access shelter either.
Kenyan sleeping in streets in Canada in search of asylum speaks
“Someone suggested that in Hamilton there might be some space and that’s why we moved to Hamilton,” Ontita stated.
Despite the challenging trials that the Kenyan duo continue to face in the streets of Hamilton, they have found solace and hope at the Good Shepherd shelter home.
Here, they have not only found a roof over their heads but also a supportive understanding community that provides comfort during their difficult times.
“They accepted us irrespective of our backgrounds, and I can’t thank them any better. I just have to give back to the community someday,” Ontita pondered, hoping his works will pave way to a bright future ahead.
Susan Toth, an employee at the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) program in Canada states that the increase in asylum seekers is heavily weighed by discrimination.
“They’re coming here to be safe and to gain acceptance and to feel that they’re OK just being who they are,” she maintained.
