Photo: Nafula Sharleen/Facebook
A Kenya-born nurse based in the United States, Nafula Sharleen, has stirred mixed reactions online after sharing outspoken advice to Kenyans seeking to relocate abroad through relationships with American citizens and other foreign nationals.
In a widely circulated social media post, Sharleen responded to growing messages from individuals asking her to connect them with foreign partners or guide them on how to meet people online.
She dismissed the requests as unrealistic and instead urged a more proactive and self-driven approach to social and personal development.
She wrote: “Kukam majuu na mtu wako. Wasee mmejaa inbox ati niwatafutie wazungu na watu wa kuwaleta majuu. Ati mnadai ni online sites gani poa za kupata wasee. Chukua pen and paper niwajanjarushe!”
Sharleen argued that success in forming meaningful relationships, especially with foreigners, requires intentional effort and lifestyle change rather than passive waiting or online reliance.
She questioned the habits of those seeking assistance, adding: “Sasa wewe ukishindaga kwenda job na kurudi home utasaidiwa aje babes? Kupata mtu lazima ukue pro active.”
The nurse advised individuals to expose themselves to environments where they are more likely to meet people of influence or higher economic standing, pointing to upscale social venues as key spaces for networking.
“Babes, jipeleke out places high end. Sio vibanda za mataa. Save doo enda Java, Village Market, changa zikitosha uka kunywe maji Villa Rosa Kempinski. Book two day vation kwa high end hoteli huko Mombasa!” she stated.
She framed such spending not as wasteful but as an investment in personal growth and visibility.
“Hii si kuharibu pesa, inaitwa investing in yourself. Sasa wewe ati siezi waste doo kujitreat. Siri moja ya doo ni you have to spend money to get money,” she added.
Sharleen also referenced lifestyle choices linked to social mobility and networking, pointing to emerging property hubs and affluent social spaces.
“Sahii nawaimbia mambo za kubuy apartments Tatu City. Ungekuwa na akili ya Estlando ungejua Tatu City kuna wasee wa doo na ma investors,” she wrote.
She further encouraged individuals to broaden their social circles beyond their immediate environments, arguing that staying in familiar rural or routine settings limits opportunities.
“Endelea kujenga manyumba Ushago kwenu, utapatana na ma villagers huko ndio wakukatie,” she said.
On dating preferences and social settings, Sharleen also suggested that individuals should be strategic about where they meet potential partners, pointing to more upscale dining environments as better networking spaces.
“Walami siku hizi wamejanjaruka. Ukienda kutafuta walami kwa clubs utapatana na wale wamekam ku spread UKEDI na ma Russian guy. Instead enda ukule lunch Fogo Gaucho huku ndio type yako iko.”
She also advised changing everyday consumer habits, suggesting that even routine shopping locations and social behaviour influence exposure to different social groups.
“Rada ni hii, acha kwenda supermarket za mtaa. Panda nganya enda shopping kwa supermarkets za good neighborhoods. Jipeleke out high end restaurants at least couple times a year.”
Sharleen concluded her remarks by encouraging confidence, presentation, and occasional travel as part of expanding social networks, noting that exposure often creates unexpected opportunities.
“Na ukifika huko ongea kizungu na uvae classy kama mtu ameomoka. Ukisha omoka ndio unaeza vaa na ukae vile unataka. Once a year enda vacation Mombasa high end hotels. Utapatana na wasee,” she said.