For many Kenyan professionals, relocating abroad promises better opportunities, but the transition often comes with unexpected social and cultural adjustments that shape both work and personal life.
A Kenyan nurse working in the United States has sparked conversation online after candidly describing the stark differences between hospital life in Africa and America, highlighting culture shock, workplace dynamics, and the role of human connection in healthcare.
Derrick Mwiti, a US-based nurse, painted a vivid picture of his first days on duty, saying what struck him most was not the infrastructure, but the silence.
Unlike the lively and interactive hospital environments common in Kenya, Mwiti says American hospitals operate in a more reserved and individualistic manner.
“In Kenya, a shift feels like a family gathering—people talk, laugh, and check on each other,” he said. “In the US, everyone is focused, quiet, and glued to their stations.”
Mwiti also pointed to the heavy reliance on medical technology, describing it as both impressive and overwhelming.
He noted that machines in US hospitals are highly sensitive, often sounding alarms for minor issues, a sharp contrast to the improvisation sometimes applied in resource-limited settings back home.
Beyond the equipment, the nurse highlighted a deeper social gap. He observed that while Kenyan workplaces often thrive on communal support—sharing meals, stories, and emotional burdens—such interactions are less common among his American colleagues.
“In Africa, if you are quiet, someone will check on you. Here, you can go through a tough moment and people respond through formal channels,” he noted.
Determined to bridge the gap, Mwiti says he began introducing simple practices from his background—greeting colleagues warmly, encouraging shared breaks, and promoting open conversations.
Over time, he noticed gradual changes within the unit.
According to him, some nurses began sitting together during breaks, sharing snacks, and interacting more freely, creating a friendlier atmosphere within the workplace.
His experience has resonated with many Kenyans online, with some praising the importance of community in high-pressure professions such as healthcare.