Former Radio Citizen presenter Jeridah Andayi has spoken about her experiences since relocating to the United States with her children.
Jeridah, who left a long career in radio, said adjusting to American culture has come with new lessons. She highlighted four things that stood out most to her.
First, she noted that drinks are always served with ice. “In the US, they put ice in a glass before adding the drink. At first I thought I would get a sore throat, but you get used to it,” she said.
Second, she pointed out the importance of punctuality. “In Kenya, when someone says they are on the way, they might still be at home. Here, if you say 3pm, people arrive by 2:55. If you are late, it is considered rude.”
Third, she mentioned accent differences. “In Kenya, everyone understands your English, even with slang. Here, accents can cause confusion, and you learn to adapt.”
Finally, Jeridah explained that walking is uncommon in some areas. “If you walk around, people ask if your car broke down. In Nairobi, walking is normal, but here it raises questions.”
Her remarks sparked conversations among Kenyans online. Some said they miss hearing her on radio, while others shared similar experiences of moving abroad.
A recent video of Jeridah washing a car in the US also went viral. While some speculated it was her new job, others argued she was simply cleaning her own car as she adjusts to her new life.
By Kenyans