Staff Reports
In a world where fleeing America seems to be catching like wildfire among certain celebrity circles, one Grammy-winning singer found out that the green grass on the other side of the globe might just be an optical illusion. Meet Kelis, the pop star whose milkshake once brought all the boys to the yard, and who decided that the yard should now be 300 acres near Lake Naivasha, Kenya. She traded her life in California for the adventures of African farming, seeking to grow businesses in what she describes as the most beautiful decision of her life. But it turns out, paradise has its potholes – both literally and figuratively.
Kelis, like many who’ve made similar moves, was driven by the urge to pursue her passion for farming, wellness, and entrepreneurship. However, she quickly learned that the conveniences of American life aren’t so easily replicated. From never-ending bumps and unmarked speed traps on Kenyan roads to waste management that’s virtually non-existent – the realities of her new home are starkly different from the polished paths she was used to in the States. And let’s not even get started on the car situation – where even a jalopy could set you back enough to make your eyes water, provided you can read the manuals, since they might just be in Japanese.
As she candidly shared her experiences online, the internet buzzed with the irony of it all. Seeking to escape the woes of America, Kelis and others like her are faced with challenges most Americans wouldn’t bat an eyelash at, like reliable plumbing and electricity. Yet, what these well-intentioned relocators may have ignored in their calculations is the sheer infrastructure that the so-called “racist” America has in spades – infrastructure that makes everyday life as smooth as a sitcom’s laugh track.
Now, as she battles with these unforeseen hurdles, one has to wonder about the choice to embrace a simpler, albeit tougher, lifestyle. Perhaps, in their heads, Kenya promised a utopia of freedom and simplicity that would free them from the chains of their former lives. But lo and behold, living like an American in a thoroughly non-American setting comes with a price – and it’s often three times what it would be back home.
While her spirit is undeniably adventurous, it’s a curious spectacle to witness someone swap a land of liberty for a venture fraught with the quirks of third-world challenges. Yet amid the chaos, one can almost appreciate her determination to “keep watching” as she claims. As these stars embark on their journeys far from Hollywood lights, perhaps the moral is simple: sometimes it takes a bumpy ride to realize what you’re thankful for – like working drainage and reasonably priced cars. Who knew?
