Interesting!!! Lived in the US for 6 years. Left Nairobi after high school, made bad choices the big one being not finishing school. Life caught up, came back with no degree hence had to go back and start all over again. Did my undergrad then post grad thanks be to God hence can add my fresha wisdom.

1. From a christian background, go there if really that's where you ought to be (Calling/destiny)

2. Do it legally. Make sure you follow the book to the t.

3. Don't leave any of your nuclear family members behind, No long distance relationship with your family.

4. The usual learning the ropes in a foreign land will occur.

5. Go to friends and family are located. If your friends are genuine, 90% of assimilating will be easy.

6. Evade "kazi ya mkono" that sometimes pays better and get a degree. A normal working schedule will give you more time to watch your family grow. "Majuu pple" value their families.

7. Join a church...Important!!!

God bless..

I have benefitted immensely from this site nd thought Id register and give back a little by contributing as well.

Been living "mayuu" for close to five years on and off.

My experience below:
From a financial perspective it was initially rewarding as although the expenses were high, the tax free status of where I live meant savings were decent. Salaries of my former colleagues in Kenya have however caught up with them getting promoted and all and now the financial advantage isn’t as big as it used to be.

Career progression -not so good from my experience and that of most people sharing my background- ie from "3rd world" countries. There is a general perception that a glass ceiling exists and you either have to sell your soul to the devil- ie work like a mad man with no social or personal life to break through or become a kiss ass which in my experience I have noticed Kenyans are not good at. Quite a proud bunch we are. Zimbabweans, on the other hand are very docile and kiss assy- hell they've tolerated the comrade for so long with no meaningful attempts at getting rid of the fella. Same thing with Philipinos and Indians. But I digress.

Travel- it is definitely easier and cheaper to travel and seek adventure from this side of the world. You can go for a 3 day luxury cruise at the same cost of spending 3 nights in a hotel in Mombassa.

Shopping- definitely here - my proximity to the US is very near and this is where most of us do most of our major shopping. Things are way cheaper than in Kenya in my opinion and you find more variety and superior quality. You can find original designer attire starting at $5 especially when they have sales. Similar thing with furniture,and electronics.

Security- Undoubtedly where I currently reside. Houses are never burglarproved, ngetas are rare and you never have to drive wondering why the car behind you has tailed you for so long- well unless unakula bibi ya mtu which I strongly advice against.

Quality of life: Its a 50/50 especially where you have your larger family in Kenya. You get to miss on your nephews and nieces growing up and you really dont participate in your loved ones lives especially if you value family as much as I do. On the other hand ammenities here are way superior, little trafick, cars are way cheaper and better than in Kenya, health care better (IMO).

Side businesses/ Money making opportunities:definitely Kenya. From the stock market to land buying- returns are phenomenal in Kenya and opportunities abound. Expect opportunities to increase as the economy grows and if we do not screw up the next elections.

In summary I think it was a worthwhile experience that has exposed me to new people, ideas and cultures, but ultimately believe your interests as a Kenyan are best served in Kenya. Wherever you are going chances are they will want to serve the interest of their citizens before they consider yours.

Or Barbados, Bahamas, Canadian West Coast (British Columbia)?

Cayman or Bermuda.

His description of what to expect is spot on.

Thank you all, been a bit caught up as the d-day is Feb13 and plans on high gear.
Richdad wrote They say "risk is extra life". Just do it. By the end of our time we only regret what we never did!!
My new address will be the Gulf, Doha to be specific and getting the 'Expat' package - the tax free salo,furnished house & around the world tickets.
Anxiety still lingers but holding on to 'richdad' statement.
The place seems surprisingly family oriented - Package includes international schooling for lil tyke.
Here's to not having the "I wish i did" all too familiar regrets & with us seeming to choose 'baba yao' & 'sonko' to high posts, my decision might just be timely.