Henry, a 37-year-old father of three, left Kenya for South Africa in 2015, hoping to build a better life for his children. Despite a decade abroad, he failed to secure a stable job and accumulated significant loans he could not repay. He recently returned home to an incomplete house and now rides a tuk-tuk to make ends meet. His story highlights the harsh realities of migration, particularly for those without legal status.
Henry's struggles abroad were marked by his undocumented status, which made it difficult for him to land a decent job. He had hoped to earn enough money to build a home and support his three children. However, his situation was made harder by his lack of legal protections or opportunities. By the time he decided to return home, the house he had been building with borrowed money stood unfinished, and the debts he had accumulated remained.
Back in Kenya, Henry has had to rebuild from scratch. He now works two jobs to make ends meet: tending a small farm and operating a tuk-tuk as a commercial rider. These careers were not part of the plan he had envisioned when he left home a decade ago, but they represent the life he is piecing together for himself and his children.
Henry's story has resonated with thousands of viewers online, drawing over 24,000 views since the video was published. For many, it reflects the harsh gap between the promise of migration and its reality, particularly for those who make the journey without legal status. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering a similar path.
In contrast, a 28-year-old mother returned home after six years working as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia. While in Saudi Arabia, she fled her official employer and continued working illegally for over five years while saving for her dream house. Four months ago, she turned herself in for deportation, allowing her to return home on her own terms, with her goal already met.
Henry's situation highlights the challenges faced by many Kenyans who migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of careful planning and consideration before making the decision to migrate. It also underscores the need for support systems for those who return home after experiencing difficulties abroad.
The article was published on September 29, 2026, at 10:56 AM by Hillary Lisimba, a human-interest editor at TUKO Media Ltd. with over 20 years of experience in creating content that touches lives. His story was shared on Lynne Zaabu's YouTube channel, where he opened up about the painful realities of his time in South Africa.
Key points
- Henry accumulated significant debts and returned home to an unfinished house after 10 years in South Africa.
- His undocumented status made it difficult for him to land a decent job and left him vulnerable.
- Henry now works two jobs to make ends meet, including operating a tuk-tuk as a commercial rider.
