Unlike its predecessor, the current generation of Kenyans in USA is in a dug-in position: members have established homes, families, businesses and places of worship. For the most part immigrants before 1990s came to school and went back home. This new cohort has taken a new approach. There are no temporary camps anywhere. These folks have entrenched themselves into the fabric of the community far deeper than those who ventured before them. With almost zero unemployment rate, Kenyans in USA are known for their work ethic, some with one eye on code 254. 

According to our statistics, this might be the first generation to retire in USA.  To some extent, however, the word retirement for this group remains a taboo subject. That they generally don't like the idea of living in retirement homes is not a secret. But that will not be for them to decide: their kids will do that honor. Putting parents in an old people's home will not be a big deal for the American-raised children. If the parents will not have established an adequate landing spot back home, decisions will have to be made. Throw in some health concerns that come with aging and you get nearer to a rude awakening.

There is now an overwhelming wave of evidence indicating that retiring abroad may be inevitable for this group. The ever-burning natural love for the motherland will likely be overruled by economic undercurrents just as it did when one decided to move. The economics-omitting illusions like relocating with several 25 year old "little Obamas" to a Nairobi suburb can be alluring but embarrassingly transparent. Some of these candidates have admitted that they have not visited the "suburb of their dreams" for decades. Logistical reality has its own quicksand which is almost always stronger than the sporadic pangs of homesickness and the often romanticized old times "perpetual reconnection".

Statistics look at big patterns of data and probabilities. Off course some people will succeed in re-locating. Dreams are always valid.  But the biggest determining factor may not be nostalgia after all. Predictive factors like established living standards in the new lands, health care, housing arrangements and the will of the children can only be ignored in theory. Whether these Kenyans will be ready or not is an entirely new can of worms. Regardless of where one decides to stay after years of work, availability of funds is an obvious common denominator. Did somebody yell bingo?

Author Mahugu Nuthu, Nuthololgy Analytics, Kansas City, USA