The Government of Kenya, in partnership with Traverze Culture, an African American–owned relocation and regenerative travel company, has officially unveiled the Journey Back to Eden (JBE) Initiative—an ambitious program designed to reconnect the African Diaspora with Kenya through investment, tourism, cultural integration, and long-term settlement opportunities.
The initiative was launched during an event held at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, attended by senior government officials, diaspora leaders, and development partners. Principal Secretary for the State Department of Tourism, John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, representing Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, praised the initiative as a transformational bridge between Kenya and its global diaspora communities.
“Kenya is open, ready, and eager to welcome our people home,” PS Ololtuaa said. “This program brings much-needed credibility and structure to the relocation and settlement experience for diaspora families.”
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.
A Historic Invitation to the Global African Family
The Journey Back to Eden Initiative invites African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and the wider African Diaspora including Kenyans who have lived abroad for decades to explore Kenya as a place to return, invest, build, and reconnect with their heritage.
According to Kea Wakesho Simmons, CEO of Traverze Culture, African Americans alone possess USD 1.6 trillion in annual spending power, with the broader diaspora holding hundreds of billions more. Simmons noted that JBE provides a credible and structured platform for people seeking cultural reconnection, foreign investment opportunities, and long-term settlement.
“JBE gives the diaspora not just a tour, but a pathway home,” Simmons said. “This initiative offers clarity, stability, and trusted infrastructure for relocation, housing, investment, and long-term settlement in Kenya.”
Strong Partnerships to Support Relocation and Settlement
The initiative’s credibility is further strengthened by the integration of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which brings extensive support across healthcare, education, financial services, lifestyle development, and community wellbeing. These are key considerations for families seeking a smooth transition into the Kenyan environment.
The partnership ensures diaspora families receive comprehensive support covering:
- Healthcare access
- Education and schools
- Real estate and relocation guidance
- Medical tourism and wellness
- Business development and entrepreneurship
- Cultural reintegration and heritage experiences
Immersive 7- and 12-Day Experiences for Diaspora Visitors
To help diaspora participants better understand opportunities in Kenya, JBE will offer immersive 7-day and 12-day experiences. These curated programs will guide visitors through:
- Real estate and property investment
- Medical wellness and tourism
- Entrepreneurship and business opportunities
- Education and community environments
- Cultural and heritage reconnection
- Settlement pathways and lifestyle planning
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s national strategy to deepen ties with the diaspora—an economic, cultural, and social asset that contributes significantly to national development through remittances, foreign investment, and cultural diplomacy.
A Boost for Tourism, Investment, and Kenya’s Global Positioning
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife noted that the JBE Initiative is expected to positively impact:
- Tourism
- Real estate
- Investment flows
- Medical travel
- Cultural exchange programs
With Kenya positioning itself as a premier destination for diasporic return, JBE stands as one of the most structured and credible relocation frameworks developed for the African Diaspora.
