Kenyan-Born Politician Terry Atieno to Exit German Local Assembly After Current Term

Kenyan-born politician Terry Atieno, popularly known as Terry Chocolate, will not seek re-election to the local assembly in Germany’s Stade district after serving her current legislative term.

Atieno, who has lived in Germany for more than two decades, grew up in Ng’iya village in Siaya County before moving to the country in 2005 through an au pair programme. The arrangement involved providing childcare and household support in exchange for accommodation and language training.

Her early years in Germany were difficult. After overstaying her initial au pair placement, she experienced periods of uncertainty and worked as a nanny in several cities before establishing a more stable life. The experience gave her first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by immigrants navigating life in Germany.

Before entering politics, Atieno developed a career in communication and journalism. She later started a podcast addressing issues affecting immigrants, including bureaucratic challenges, cultural adjustment and the search for belonging. Her work gained a following and brought her to the attention of Die Linke, Germany’s left-wing party.

In 2022, Atieno contested and won a seat in the local assembly, becoming the first Kenyan to reach the position in the region. During her time in office, she focused on issues affecting immigrants, particularly people of African descent who she said had historically been concentrated in low-paid jobs. Atieno has advocated for greater inclusion, diversity and recognition of the contributions of black Germans and other minority communities.

“We deal with immigrants, diversification, inclusivity and many other things. We fight for black Germans who are yet to be accepted for several reasons,” she said during a recent visit to Kenya.

Her political work has coincided with changes in Germany’s labour market, where the country has increasingly sought skilled workers from abroad, including doctors and nurses. Atieno views the shift as progress from earlier periods when many Africans in Germany were mainly employed in domestic work.

She said attitudes towards immigrants had improved, noting that more Kenyans were now working in government offices, engineering companies and television production. However, she said immigrants still faced challenges in gaining full acceptance.

“They should know that if they send all immigrants out of Germany, who will work?” she said, highlighting the role of migrants in the German economy.

Atieno has decided not to seek another term in the assembly, citing personal priorities and conflicts with her plans. Despite stepping away from elected office, she remains active in other areas.

She has promoted Kenyan music in Germany and encouraged other people to pursue podcasting. Alongside her political responsibilities, she has maintained a permanent job at an engineering company and is pursuing a degree at the University of Hamburg.

Atieno has also credited the late Raila Odinga with encouraging her to enter politics. Her career has linked her Kenyan background with her life and work in Germany, where she has become an advocate for immigrant representation and participation in local government.