Victoria “The Kenyan-Dane” Nkatha On What Makes Life in Denmark Rewarding

Denmark is known for Vikings, the invention of the Lego, licorice, and bicycles. To us here at AWM, it is also known for Victoria Nkatha who happens to be our first Nairobi born interviewee from Denmark. If you are new to Denmark, it is a peninsula situated in Northern Europe which consists of an archipelago of more than 400 islands as well as being a member of the European Union since 1973. Nkatha moved to Denmark with her parents when she was eleven years old. “Peaceful and quiet” is what she remembers as her first impression of this Scandinavian country. 

Although Denmark has relatively few Kenyans compared to many of the neighboring countries, she finds it an enjoyable place to live.  Her overall view of Danish culture is, “mind your business, do your part in society and “hygge” while at it!” If you are unfamiliar with the term hygge, you are not alone. It is pronounced “hoo-gah” and according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it refers to a form of everyday togetherness, coziness, and the ability to recognize and enjoy someone’s presence. Nkatha is well-versed in Danish culture and speaks the language. She also speaks Kimeru, but she laughingly says that her mother would disagree with that assertion. 

Currently, Nkatha works and goes to school in “this very lovely cold but green country.” She is fortunate since Denmark is one of the top five best education systems in the world. Danish society is obviously different from Kenya, but her favorite aspect of the culture is how one has the ability to become whatever he or she desires. She said, “There is great encouragement and freedom to pursue one’s dreams which increases motivation and satisfaction for the student.” When asked how Kenyan students can seek opportunities in Denmark, Nkatha replied, “Erasmus is a great place to seek scholarships or exchange opportunities while LinkedIn and Work in Denmark are great places to seek jobs.” 

There is one aspect of the culture of Denmark that has taken her  some getting used to, and that is the cuisine. “Having potatoes on top of rye bread, for instance, is a very Dane thing. Also eating a cold dinner,” she explained.

Kenya is never far from her thoughts, and when she reads about her homeland or someone mentions it, “nyamachoma” immediately comes to her mind, along with “potential, love, and family.” Since this is an election year in Kenya, we asked Nkatha which candidate she supported. Smiling, she responded, “You’d like to put me on the spot, I see. I support the candidate who has Kenya’s best interest in mind. However, the most important thing, especially for the youth, is to go out and vote. Make your choice and remember, your vote is your voice!”

Faith is a very large part of Nkatha’s life, and she believes God gave her the desire to empower, motivate, and inspire others. “There are so many things that happen in life where we can either choose to run and hide, or choose from which to learn, and best case scenario, teach others how to deal as well. That’s what we do when responding to life’s daily matters and matters of mental health— which all are very important.”

When asked about virtues that she possesses, she explained that she doesn’t want to blow her own horn. Nevertheless, she feels her most impressive qualities are: kindness, humility, diligence and patience. To her, kindness is her number one gift, and she has always seen it as a key virtue by which to live.

When she isn’t working or studying, she likes to read. In keeping with her faith in God, she is reading Crazy Faith by Michaell Todd. As we all know, life can be unpredictable and during some of her lowest moments, Nkatha said, “I gave myself no other choice except to be strong.” She mentioned that just the other day she was crying as she was praying and thanking God for how good He has been to her. Along with God being her main inspiration, she is also inspired by her mother and her desire to help people. 

Currently, Nkatha is single, however, she encourages our readers “to stay in tune with her profiles and work in order to see her future plans.” (wink, wink)

Nkatha thinks the best way to live life is to believe that “no matter who you are, what you achieve, or the levels you get to— always be kind, stay humble and be of service to others. However, while you are at it, take care of yourself first, love yourself more than anyone and anything else and live out your full potential!”

Whether you are in Kenya, Denmark, or Anytown, USA, this African proverb is one by which Nkatha has so far lived her life: The sun does not forget a village just because it is small— it doesn’t matter where you find yourself in life, God does not forget any human being.  

We look forward to hearing more from Victoria Nkatha in Denmark, and wherever else she is led. With her education and attitude toward life, we know that she will succeed in all of her pursuits! Good luck and god-speed!

Want your Diaspora Profile featured on this page? Write to us info@awmagazine.org