Veronica and Okino Oakley are among the hundreds of foreigners who relocate from America to Nairobi each year in search of new opportunities.
Speaking in an interview with Chams Media, the couple explained why they left their successful businesses in Virginia to start a new life in Nairobi.
They said that before relocating to Nairobi, they spent three years choosing the best destinations, and it was either Nairobi or Johannesburg.
They had already built a thriving business in Virginia, but they wanted a fresh environment where they could raise their two sons and connect with other people who shared their vision.
Collapse of their business
Relocating to Kenya is perhaps one of the riskiest moves the Oakleys have made in their lives.
Before moving to Kenya, they had run other successful businesses in the US, including a construction company that handled residential and commercial projects in Virginia.
They also spent several years coaching and developing other people.
One of their American-based businesses was generating almost $1 million in annual revenue.
When they moved to Kenya, they left the business under the management of other people, but it closed down within five months. The couple attributed the loss to poor management.
However, despite the setback, the couple set up various ventures in Kenya and said that the country had given them a sense of belonging.
“We’ve always felt like we’ve been searching for something,” Veronica said during the interview, explaining their desire to find like-minded people and build a supportive community.
Their research led them to Nairobi, which they viewed as a place with skilled people and many business opportunities.
They were also attracted to the vibrant Kenyan culture, which contrasted with how some Western media portrayed African countries.
Currently, they have established about five companies and are working with about 10 to 12 small businesses in Nairobi.
Their ventures include AI and technology, marketing, media production, and virtual assistance.
The couple also revealed that they had interviewed about 100 people since they arrived in Kenya as they looked for skilled workers and potential partners.
Moving to Nairobi
The Oakleys arrived in Kenya on November 24, 2025, with their two sons, Amari and Xavier.
According to Okino, their plane tickets cost between $3,000 and $4,000 (about ksh 389,700 – KSh 519,600). Relocating furniture and personal belongings added more expenses.
The family initially resided in different places before they finally found a three-bedroom home in Nairobi where they settled.
The home costs approximately $1,800 per month, which is about Sh232,000.
It has various amenities, such as ensuite bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, private parking, a swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, and a movie theatre.
The apartment came fully furnished, meaning that the couple did not spend extra money buying household items.
According to the couple, people who are relocating to Nairobi can find homes for about $450 (about ksh 58,000) per month depending on their needs and location.
Rebuilding their lives
The Oakleys said that they appreciate the opportunities available in Nairobi, but they acknowledged that settling has not been a walk in the park.
They said that they now work longer hours than they did in the United States as they strive to rebuild their businesses and build relationships with local partners.
One of their biggest household expenses is school fees, since they have enrolled their children in expensive schools.
They also reported paying about $21 ( about ksh 2,738) in water bills recently and about $107 (ksh 13,800) in electricity bills.
However, they believe that Nairobi will provide them with enough opportunities to rebuild their businesses, and their children will also receive the support they need.