Restrictions against immigration from Asia and Africa led to little voluntary immigration from Kenya until the latter half of the 20th century. Kenyan emigration to the United States then noted a large increase, nearly doubling from the decades before. This increase was caused by several factors; political instability and a downturn in the economy in the 1980s in Kenya coupled with a high rate of unemployment led to a greater desire to immigrate. Some immigrants were also attracted to technology-oriented careers in the United States that boomed in availability in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Demography
Kenyan American come fromethnic groups such as the Kikuyu, Kisii, Luhya, Kamba, Kalenjin, Meru or Luo people. The largest populations of Kenyans in the United States are found in Southern California, Massachusetts, and the greater Washington, D.C. area. Many Kenyans are also established in Georgia and North Carolina, states with important health care centers. According to the 2010 census, approximately one-third of persons born in Kenya who are living in the US have become naturalized citizens While many Kenyan Americans express the desire to eventually return to Kenya, the instability of Kenya's economy deters them. Those who remain in the US maintain contact with their Kenyan relatives and make frequent trips to Kenya.
Education and socioeconomics
African immigrants are among the most educated groups in the United States. Like their recent immigrant counterparts Kenyan Americans give a high value to education. This has allowed them to find skilled positions. Even during their initial adjustment period, Kenyan Americans usually do not require assistance like other immigrants, and they tend to have an overall high employment rate. Also, most Kenyans are already fluent in English, giving them an even greater advantage over other immigrant groups. Most Kenyans gravitate toward technology fields. Many also enter health care professions, especially nursing. Many also become doctors, lawyers, college professors, and business owners and managers.
Organizations
Like other immigrant groups living in the US, Kenyan Americans have created many organizations. These include the Kenya Diaspora Advisory Council, the Kenya American Association, the Kenyan-Cincinnati Association, the Minnesota Kenyan International Development Association and KACA. Kenyan-American Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1999. This is a private investment company to increase development of Kenyan communities with investments in technology, educational, and other sectors. The organization also drives trade and culture between Kenya and the United States. The American Kenyan Educational Corporation focuses on funding secondary school students and building schools in Kenya.
