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| Barack Obama • Edi Gathegi Bernard Lagat • Tom Morello |
| Total population |
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| 200,000 to 300,000 est |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Major concentrations in Washington, D.C, other communities in Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. |
| Languages |
| Religion |
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Predominantly Christian (chiefly Protestant and Catholic) |
Kenyan Americans are Americans of Kenyan descent. There are an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Kenyan Americans and least 50% of all Kenyan American citizens are based in Washington, D.C., with other population concentrations in Texas, California, Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, New York and North Carolina.[1]
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The first Kenyan who emigrated to America, they did so forced. These were slaves who were exported to that country until the early nineteenth century, when slavery was banned. Partly a result of slavery, Kenyan immigration was low until the 80 the twentieth century. Thus, between the decades of the 80's and 90's, kenyan emigration in the United States had a huge increase, representing more than double the Kenyan immigrants usually arrived.
The increase in migration in the United States Kenyan produced by several factors: Many Kenyans were influenced by various facets of American culture Because of the large existing Relationship between Kenya and the United States. So, the American cuisine and entertainment had become usual in Kenya. Knowledge about the American culture caused many Kenyans decide to Take Advantage of Economic and Educational Opportunities of the United States. The downturn in the economy in Kenya and the high rate of unemployment in this country (over 35 Percent), couple with the Importance That gives the country places on education, resulting in more qualified and educated Than workers skilled positions available. Toward the end of the Twentieth Century, particularly Kenyan immigrants were attracted to technology-oriented careers in the United States, This It is an occupation where almost nonexistent in Kenya over 75 Percent of the jobs are agricultural-based.[1]
The largest populations of Kenyans in America include Washington, D.C., city where 50 percent of Kenyan Americans can be found, Texas, California, and parts of the Midwest. There are also many Kenyans established in Georgia and North Carolina, two states with important technological centers. Most Kenyans have adapted easily to life in America. Many Kenyan immigrants are well educated and possess specialized job skills. But they have little trouble finding did employment in health care the technological and professions, where they are most numerous. In addition, English is the majority language in Kenya, so they enjoy a linguistic advantage over other immigrants. For all that, before long, many Kenyan Americans get a relative degree of financial security. Despite all this, Kenyan Americans are subject to the same sometimes That prejudice often other African Americans face. Discrimination that Is frequently directed toward those of African heritage. Perhaps the vast majority of because Kenyans become naturalized citizens do, Less than two percent return to Kenya. Some Kenyans get citizenship marrying Americans. Many Kenyan Americans would eventually like to return to Kenya after they have completed their education or economic achievements goals. However, the instability of Kenya's economy deters them. They do maintain contact with their Kenyan relatives and also make frequent trips to Kenya. [1]
The Kenyan Americans give a high value to education. This has allowed them to find skilled positions. In fact, even during the initial adjustment period, Kenyan Americans, usually do not require assistance than other immigrants, and they tend to have an overall high employment rate. Also, most Kenyans are already fluent in English, by what they have an even greater advantage over other immigrant groups. The most of Kenyans gravitate toward technology fields. There are also many Kenyan Americans that have the health care professions, especially nursing. Also there smaller numbers of Kenyan Americans as doctors, lawyers, college professors, and business owners and managers. [1]
Like other immigrant groups living in the U.S., Kenyan Americans have created many organizations that actively working for increase aid to Kenya. One such organization is the Kenyan-American Chamber of Commerce (KACC, Inc.), formed in 1999 from the existing
Kenyan American Association. KACC, Inc. is a private investment company to increase development of Kenyan communities with investments in technology, educational, and other sectors. This organization also drives trade and culture between Kenya and the United States.
It also highlights the American-Kenyan Educational Corporation This is a corporation similar to earlier, but raises money to purchase textbooks and other items for primary school children. So as also for help secondary school students pay their tuition. The corporation has also provide for the needs of an entire classroom.[1]
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