Reporting inspiring stories about Kenyan immigrants in the States

The article is an inspiring narrative of Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley’s election victory, emphasising her role as a trailblazer for Kenyan immigrants in American politics, says Sam Ongeri.

“It comes as positive news at a time when news about Kenyan immigrants in the United States is dominated by negative stories.”

Mr Ongeri is referring to the story headlined “Kenyan-born Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley wins Minnesota seat in US election,” by Kevin Cheruiyot (Nation.Africa, November 06, 2024).

Indeed, Mrs Hiltsley’s election victory as the first Kenyan-born member of the Minnesota House of Representatives presents a refreshing and positive narrative.

Readers appreciate uplifting news that reflects ambition, success, and positive change. In this case the news is about the daughter of a Kenyan immigrant, Philip Momanyi from Nyamira County, who went to the US as a student in 1988. He was joined by his wife and children, including Huldah, in the early 1990s. But he spent 11 years fighting off attempts to deport him and his family back to Kenya.

The story is an engaging and meaningful piece of journalism relatable to Kenyan audiences. It reflects the struggles many immigrants endure, highlighting the strength and determination required to create a new life far from home. It’s estimated there are about 200,000 Kenyan immigrants in the US. Those who are undocumented are estimated to be around 30,000.

Stories of resilience and determination

Despite being engaging, Mrs Hiltsley’s story could have been enhanced with more election context. The story contains information about the election itself. More context about the election dynamics could have provided a fuller picture of her victory. Such context could include the fact that District 38A, which she represents, is home to several immigrant communities, 33 per cent of them being Africans.

Additionally, the structure of the article is at times awkward, which can distract from the message. But overall, the story is a compelling read. It fosters pride among Kenyans, highlighting what individuals from the Kenyan diaspora can accomplish and showcasing their successes.

Readers appreciate narratives that reveal resilience and determination, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and those of their families.

In contrast, another story about Kenyan immigrants in the US reports that “arrests of Kenyan immigrants for fraud in various states in America continue to tarnish the image of well-meaning Kenyans in the diaspora” (“Kenyan faces three years in prison for tax fraud in America” by Ruth Mbula, Nation.Africa, October 26, 2024).

The language used in the story inadvertently perpetuates negative stereotypes about African immigrants in the US. It’s estimated there are 11 million immigrants in the US, 1.6 million being Africans. The story says “some immigrants, especially African refugees, have managed to circumvent the system and steal millions of dollars through false tax returns.”

This sweeping statement risks unfair generalisation, suggesting a widespread issue among all Kenyan immigrants when, in fact, it concerns only a few.

Stigma against Kenyan immigrants

Statements that emphasise the vulnerabilities of refugees as those “who cheat the system” invite misinterpretations. It’s critical to clarify that not all refugees or immigrants engage in such behaviour. A more careful approach could enhance clarity and avoid reinforcing stigma against Kenyan or African immigrants in the US.

The language used in the story reflects subjective views, with phrases like “tarnish the image of well-meaning Kenyans.” It implies a moral judgment rather than just presenting facts. Generalisations about “some immigrants” create broader implications that might not be substantiated, further skewing perceptions.

To improve the narrative, the story should have adopted more neutral language, avoided sensationalism, and provided a balanced portrayal of the immigrant experience. The reporter could have substantiated claims without resorting to stereotypes by using precise descriptions and including data or statistics.

One can draw a parallel between the story about Kenyans cheating in tax returns and the story about Haitian immigrants in the US claiming that they eat their neighbours’ pets. The spread of the pet-eating story, which began as a rumour, was facilitated by sensationalist media stories. The story reinforced the derogatory stereotypes about Haitian immigrants, portraying them as uncivilised, even dangerous.

Both stories illustrate how media can propagate stereotypes. The tax fraud story implies all immigrants may be involved in criminality, while the pet-eating story paints a dangerous image of Haitian migrants. Both stories fuel anti-immigration sentiments.
To combat these damaging stereotypes, the media should provide balanced perspectives and avoid generalisations.

The Public Editor is an independent news ombudsman who handles readers’ complaints on editorial matters including accuracy and journalistic standards. Email: [email protected]. Call or text 0721989264