A Kenyan man in US has sparked mixed reactions online after saying no amount of money would convince him to return and live in Kenya.

Owen, who runs The Kenyan American Home social media channel, was responding to a comment from a Kenyan living in the UK.

According to the UK-based Kenyan named Kellaz, he would be willing to return to Kenya if offered a job paying Sh150,000. This comment prompted Owen to share his own perspective.

In his response, Owen was categorical that there was so much he had learned from living in the US that made it extremely difficult for him to consider relocating to Nairobi.

“Even if I am offered Sh1 million, even Sh2 million — more than what I’m currently making here in the US — I would not take that offer,” he began.

Owen said he values a working system free from corruption, which he believes makes life abroad more worthwhile.

“The quality of life here is on another level. I think once you break out from the shackles of poverty, your perspective of money changes. When I was still poor, money was a huge factor that influenced me. But now I’ve come to learn that there are things money can’t buy — like family and a decent quality of life.

“For those claiming it’s lonely here, it’s true, but you can always find close-knit communities where you fit in. Not everyone is living a lonely life here,” he explained.

He added that Western systems tend to uphold integrity in the workplace.

“Okay, picture this. You take a high-paying job in Kenya — how long will it last? Some people aren’t faithful. You might arrive and find the job was given to someone else, or end up facing frequent salary delays that will eventually put you in financial distress.

“But for wazungu, they mean business and keep their word. If your salary is supposed to hit your account at 9 a.m., it will be there exactly at 9 a.m. If there’s a delay, they notify you and even apologize. Things that are considered normal in Kenya — even if they ruin your quality of life — are not entertained here,” he said, adding that even service delivery systems in the US were far more advanced.

Reactions

Tina G: “Mimi I’m in Germany and I’m going back home to do farming.”

Doll Levi 🇺🇸: “I love love my life in the US. Mimi kwanza Kenya sahii the longest time I can survive is 1 month. Vumbi, kelele, uchafu, corrupt systems… even if you’re rich, you can’t avoid such.”

Khalid: “I’m in Kenya. Wachana na 150k — 35k is enough for me to never dream of going abroad.”

KING MWAS 254: “I’m in Canada. Nikapata 100k monthly I’ll go back so quickly.”

Elizabethgitau81: “I lived in the UK for three years, came back to Kenya. Even if I’m given citizenship in the UK, I can’t go back. I love my country.”

Apeoud: “Let me enjoy organic food, good climate with no racism in my motherland.”

Joe 🇰🇪: “It’s not about the money. It’s working systems. Healthcare, pension, transport, value for tax… corrupt institutions — 500k can’t buy functioning systems.”

Kimeu 🇰🇪🇱🇷: “Mimi siwezi rudi Kenya juu ya pesa.”

Tchacho: “What people don’t know is that out there, systems are working even if you pay tax. I visited my daughter in Australia… nirudi home nikiwa paranoid.”

Rama Ken: “If you live in a high-functioning society, it’s very hard to go back to a low-functioning society.”

Lymwa: “I’m in the UK but planning to go to Kenya soon. I never enjoy life here in the UK. I’m tired.”

Tyrus Blunt: “Salary is nothing compared to benefits.”

e_tacsworld: “It’s not about the money, but setting up my children and generation for success in the USA. It’s not about me anymore.”

Owen’s advice to Kenyans

In a TikTok video, Owen encouraged Kenyans to explore opportunities abroad.

“If you have a comfortable job and a good life in Kenya, then there’s no need to come start over here. But if you’re a hustler, life has mistreated you, and you have the means — please move.

Come to the US. If you’re driven by hard work and burning with passion to succeed, you can easily find a job here and your story will be different.”

He also advised doing proper research before making the move.

“It’s prudent for Kenyans moving to the US to do background checks on the jobs being offered, and understand what level of compensation you’re entitled to.

Don’t let anyone look down on you. Do your research, show your worth, and you’ll receive compensation that matches your skills,” said Owen, who has lived in the US for over 14 years.