The United States is renowned worldwide for its abundance, prosperity, and boundless opportunities.
Previously residing in Kapseret and working as a second-hand clothing vendor in nearby Kericho, Bomet, and Kapkatet, Benard Kiprono had long yearned to live amongst the residents of the ‘land of plenty’. His opportunity arrived two years ago when he resolved to follow his dreams in the United States, becoming a citizen upon joining the US Air Force.
In his inspiring episodes on his YouTube channel, Benard reflects on the ambiguity he faced when seeking a green card. With the knowledge that many applicants falter in this process, he and his partner contemplated strategizing both their submissions for the DV program. After eagerly anticipating the results, Benard rejoiced to find out he would be included among the group of fortunate recipients. His successful application meant that his wife and four children would travel alongside him to embark on a new life in the U.S.
He recalls earlier receiving a letter purportedly from Central Michigan University that urged him to make a payment through M-Pesa, striking suspicion in him and leading him to question its authenticity. After consulting the U.S. Embassy, Bernard learned that university emails conclude with the extension “edu”. In anticipation of the approaching DV23 season, Bernard made active preparations. Additionally, he went ahead and formalized his marriage. When the time rolled around in October 2021, he promptly submitted his application and even applied for his wife as the primary applicant as well.
Fortunately, his application was accepted. Unfortunately, there were further obstacles in the form of high processing costs. The medical evaluation was set for September with the embassy interview the following month. Having limited funds and a family of four to provide for, he made the difficult but necessary decision to sell off his plot of land for Sh 1.5 million. This money was then allocated to the myriad expenses that arose such as medical costs which totalled Sh 157,000 at IOM in Nairobi, the embassy fee, the Green Card fee, and last but not least, airfare to America.
After filling out and submitting his DS260 form, he found himself staying with his step-sister following his arrival in the US. The flight cost him Sh 425,000, ultimately touching down at a Chicago airport. Ten days after settling in the US, he received his social security benefits. It took him almost a month to start searching for his first job. His initial job was at Home Depot but he eventually pursued a military recruiter position. He spent time doing research for initial vetting before the recruiter contacted him. Due to the age criteria, Benard decided to join the Air Force as it was one of the few branches accepting individuals of his age.
He completed his military cyber security exams, passed all the physical training tests, and within 7.5 weeks, he was officially hired. This employment opportunity made him eligible to become a citizen of the United States.
“I chose a finance role and now work as a Finance Controller. A military job not only grants you citizenship within a short period but also provides accommodation for you and your family. They offer allowances whether you live on or off base. Additionally, they provide mortgage loans with zero interest, and you only have to cover inspection costs for your house.” he says.
The story not adding up,…
The story not adding up, what social security benefits ten days after landing. There is no zero interest mortgage loans and they do is zero down payment. Shenzi.
The Gen Z and its following…
The Gen Z and its following generations are and will in the near future keep on opening more opportunities for hard-working people and in particular from the mother land. Here’s a good example, a gentleman of the age range of 40 years old can still be accepted in the mission without doubts. Why, simply because the Gen z wants only to press buttons and leisure type of jobs – period. So, lets pass the message back home for our siblings and friends to come in numbers as get ready for serious work.
It’s not news please…
It’s not news please. America is the land of opportunities.
There’s no much demand in Airforce in America like in kenya as long as you are of the age to join. It’s not something big.
Walk down in the any little city kiosks in any state with your legal documents and register to join Army immediately like sending money by mpesa in kenya.
Kiosks of joining Army here in America is the same like viosks of sending mpesa outlets in kenya.
No corruption! But be prepared to be poor forever and die with poverty. Don’t be surprised some end up crazy and homeless. But welcome to the land of honey and milk.
At the moment is better than…
At the moment is better than Kenya, where there’s zero jobs for youth. Again just like anywhere else, someone needs to set up a goal during the service. Later on develops a future plan on what will be the next agenda after achieving the target. Unfortunately, this life lessons are not taught in school. Someone needs to have his/her leg in job first and later decides on ways to avoid been poor as you put in. The Gen z and the following gen will never cease to open opportunities than ever which is good for the hustlers. I hope the hustlers will remember to build in kenya.
Seriously Mwakikishi if you…
Seriously Mwakikishi if you don’t have news just print a Blank Page and say no News .don’t sell us trash