Kenya has unveiled a landmark initiative designed to reconnect African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and the wider African Diaspora with their roots through investment, relocation, tourism, and cultural integration. The initiative, known as the Journey Back to Eden (JBE), was launched in Nairobi in partnership with Traverze Culture, an African American–owned relocation and regenerative travel company.
The official launch event, held at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, brought together government leaders, diaspora stakeholders, and international partners. Speaking on behalf of Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano, Principal Secretary for Tourism John Lekakeny Ololtuaa hailed the initiative as a major step toward reconnecting global Africans with Kenya.
“Kenya is ready to welcome our people home. This initiative gives structure and credibility to the relocation journey,” PS Ololtuaa said.
A Strategic National Move to Engage the Diaspora
The JBE Initiative represents one of Kenya’s strongest ever commitments to its global diaspora. It invites African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and long-settled Kenyans abroad to consider Kenya as a destination to visit, invest, and settle permanently.
According to Traverze Culture’s CEO Kea Wakesho Simmons, African Americans generate USD 1.6 trillion in annual spending power, with the broader diaspora commanding even more. Simmons said Kenya stands to benefit significantly by offering clear pathways for return, investment, and deep cultural reconnection.
“JBE was designed to give the diaspora a real path home, not just a tour,” she said. “People want reliable information, trusted systems, and a clear understanding of how to settle or invest. Kenya is offering that.”
Also present was Tuua Safaris CEO, Lucy Kimanzi who applauded Traverze for choosing Kenya as their destination.
Tuua Safaris , a partner with Traverze in the Journey Back to Eden added that this initiative will not only connect African Diaspora with Africa’s opportunities but will also promote cultural reintegration.
Broad Partnership for Settlement Support
The initiative features a partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), known globally for its contributions to healthcare, education, finance, and social development. AKDN’s involvement strengthens the program’s ability to support diaspora families seeking a smooth transition back to the continent.
Through this collaboration, diaspora participants will have access to:
Healthcare services
Schooling and university options
Financial platforms
Real estate insights
Community wellness programs
Business and investment advisory services
This comprehensive support system is aimed at easing the concerns of families relocating from abroad and investors seeking viable long-term opportunities.
Immersive Relocation Experience Packages
The JBE Initiative will offer curated 7-day and 12-day programs allowing diaspora groups to explore Kenya in an informed and structured manner. Participants will interact with local communities, visit key investment hubs, tour real estate developments, explore medical tourism facilities, and reconnect with their cultural heritage.
The immersive experience includes exposure to:
Real estate and lifestyle options
Healthcare and wellness
Technology and entrepreneurship
Cultural and ancestral sites
Kenya’s diverse tourism experiences
Relocation advisory services
Boost to Tourism and Foreign Investment
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife sees the initiative as a catalyst for growing tourism numbers, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening ties with diaspora communities. Kenya hopes to position itself as a premier destination for cultural return, business formation, and family settlement.
According to the Ministry, the initiative aligns with Kenya’s long-term strategy to deepen social, cultural, and economic links with diaspora communities, whose remittances remain a major source of national income.
