Every year, an increasing number of Kenyans set out for the diaspora, seeking life fulfilment and promising opportunities abroad.
Among them is 33-year-old Daniel Wanyeki, who recently made the bold decision to leave his well-paying bank job in Kenya and start anew in Canada.
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Wanyeki’s aspirations were high, hoping to find a better life and a prosperous career in a foreign land.
However, little did he know that his journey would take a sharp turn, leaving him homeless on the streets of Hamilton, Ontario.
Wanyeki’s plight is not unique.
The challenges and hardships faced by Kenyan asylum seekers, like him, often go unnoticed.
As the number of asylum seekers increased, all shelters in Canada reached full capacity since October 2022, leaving newcomers with limited options for finding shelter and support.
In an emotional interview with CBC News Canada, Wanyeki shared his heart-wrenching experience.
“What you expect when you come from Africa is that you will get a good house. You’ll get work. At first, you just don’t know,” he stated, revealing the harsh reality that many newcomers encounter upon arriving in a foreign land.
Despite the adversity, Wanyeki remains determined to overcome his current challenges and carve a better future for himself.
He has set his sights on obtaining a driver’s license in Canada and pursuing a career as a truck driver.
Wanyeki carefully analyzed the job market and noticed a labor shortage, leading him to believe that this path might offer him a way out of homelessness.
Wanyeki’s story finds echoes in the life of Cyprian Ontita, a 37-year-old Kenyan asylum seeker and former youth worker in Kenya.
Ontita’s journey led him from Quebec City to Toronto, where he, too, found himself without access to shelter.
The shortage of space in shelters pushed him and Wanyeki to relocate to Hamilton, in search of a glimmer of hope.
“Someone suggested that in Hamilton there might be some space, and that’s why we moved to Hamilton,” he said.
Despite the challenges faced by the Kenyan duo in the streets of Hamilton, they found solace and support at the Good Shepherd shelter home.
This supportive and understanding community not only provided them with a roof over their heads but also comfort during their most difficult times.
Ontita’s hope for the future lies in giving back to the community that embraced him during his struggles. He firmly believes that his works will pave the way for a brighter future ahead.
Susan Toth, an employee at the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) program in Canada, acknowledges the rise in discrimination faced by asylum seekers.
“They’re coming here to be safe and to gain acceptance, and to feel that they are OK just being who they are,” she said.
The struggles faced by Daniel Wanyeki, Cyprian Ontita, and countless others underscore the need for more comprehensive support systems for asylum seekers in Canada.
The issue goes beyond just providing shelter; it involves creating a conducive environment for newcomers to thrive.
To address this problem, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities must collaborate to ensure that newcomers have access to stable housing, employment opportunities, and social support.
By working together, they can build an inclusive and welcoming society that embraces diversity and provides a fresh start for those seeking refuge.
Moreover, addressing the labor shortage issues that Daniel Wanyeki noticed could also be vital in improving the prospects for asylum seekers and immigrants.
