American Woman Moves to Kenya after 10 Years in US Military, Says She Feels Safer
- Kea Wakesho Simmons, a former US military officer from Charleston, South Carolina, explained why she relocated to Kenya
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Kea shared several reasons for choosing Kenya, as well as the challenges of being black in the US
- The mother of one also expressed her fears for her 19-year-old son, who still lives in America, hoping he will join her someday
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A mother of one from Charleston, South Carolina, USA, has explained why she relocated and settled in Kenya.
Source: Youtube
Kea Wakesho Simmons, a former US military officer, told TUKO.co.ke that she had visited the country several times in the past before finally deciding to move permanently.
“I started coming to the country when Kibaki was president, the Kenyan shilling was 88 to the dollar, and Nakumatt was the big supermarket back then,” she shared.
Kea explained that she was adopted by the family of one of her Kenyan friends from the military, James Mulawasi, in Bamburi, Mombasa county.
She said her adopted mother is Luo and her adopted father is Taita, hence her two names, Akinyi and Wakesho.
How did Kea Simmons join US military?
The mother of one noted that her grandfather served in the US Navy for 30 years and was among the few black men to reach top ranks.
Growing up, she did not realise that her beloved grandfather’s career would influence her to join the army, given her tough and unstable upbringing.
“Our family is a military family my grandfather, granduncle, my aunt, uncles, and some of my cousins too. So joining the military was the best possible choice because if I hadn’t, I would probably have ended up dead or in jail,” she explained.
Kea narrated that her mother was addicted to hard drugs, which made raising her as an only child difficult and strained their relationship.
“Her addiction gave me a traumatic childhood. I rebelled a lot and was always on the streets being a gangster, but once I had my child, I decided I was going to change the course of our lives,” she stated.
What are the challenges of black people in US?
Kea shared the challenges of being black in the United States, mentioning the stripping away of black culture, ancestral names, and the legacy of slavery.
The veteran said there are still towns in the US where being black can be dangerous, adding that people can be denied healthcare, education, or even risk being hanged simply because of their skin colour.
The 42-year-old expressed concern for her 19-year-old son, who is in college. She said he was fortunate to grow up in a suburban environment rather than the ghetto.
“He does not know anything about the hood or gangster life. I fear because now he drives a luxury car I left him, and he could be stopped by the police just because of that, and shot or killed because he is black,” said Kea.
The worried mother noted that it pains her to constantly remind her son to be careful and to raise his hands whenever a police officer asks him to stop.
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Source: Youtube
Why did Kea Simmons relocate to Kenya?
The founder of Traverse Culture explained why she chose to settle in Kenya out of all African countries.
She said in Kenya, it is different, as most people assume she is part of the Kenyan diaspora despite the way she speaks.
“When I speak, they just assume I am part of the Kenyan diaspora who has returned home. I often have to tell them that no, I am not Kenyan. I may have Kenyan DNA, but I am not a direct descendant of Kenya,” she added.
Kea said she loves that she blends in, does not have to worry much, and has embraced Kenyan culture.
She also praised the welcoming nature of Kenyans, noting they are soft-spoken, magical, and full of love.
“I know a few Kiswahili words and understand more than I speak. I also love how Kenyans celebrate with bands in the flag colours while living in the country. You cannot find that kind of love anywhere else,” she said.
Kea said her family supported her decision to relocate, and they can always visit her and vice versa but affirmed that her life is fully in Kenya.
What does Kea Simmons do in Nairobi?
The former US soldier explained that the goal of her organisation, Traverse Culture, is to add value to the Kenyan community.
She said they are a travel concierge company specialising in humanitarian work, relocation assistance, business development, and, recently medical tourism.
“The reason we are promoting medical tourism in the country is because there are poor healthcare systems abroad, and we want these tourists to get medical care here,” she explained.
The 42-year-old added that it provides affordable options for tourists who cannot afford treatment abroad.
“In America, most people cannot afford healthcare, and many are dying because of it. Medical tourism gives them a chance to receive care at a more affordable price,” she explained.
Why did Hellen Obiri relocate to USA?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kenyan Olympic medallist Hellen Obiri relocated to the USA in 2022.
She made the move to train under former distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein, among other reasons, including the running community, high altitude, and the climate, which is ideal for long-distance runners like herself.
The athlete settled in Boulder, Colorado, alongside her husband, Tom Nyaundi, and their young daughter, Tania.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
