Veronica and Okino Oakley, a Black American couple from Virginia, touched down in Nairobi on 24 November 2025 after three years of researching possible relocation destinations.

Before moving, the Oakleys owned several US ventures, including a construction firm that generated close to $1 million (approximately KSh 129 million) in annual revenue.

The construction business was left under the supervision of others after the family’s departure and ceased operations within five months, a loss the couple attributes to poor management.

Air tickets for the family cost between $3,000 and $4,000, with additional expenses for shipping personal belongings to Kenya.

Nairobi won over Johannesburg as the preferred destination because of its business climate, skilled workforce and cultural energy.

Since settling, the Oakleys have established roughly five companies operating in artificial intelligence, technology, marketing, media production and virtual assistance.

They also work with between 10 and 12 local small businesses and have interviewed about 100 people to recruit talent and find partners.

The family lives in a furnished three‑bedroom home that costs about $1,800 per month and includes a swimming pool, gym, sauna, private parking and a movie theatre.

Okino notes that cheaper rentals are available in Nairobi, with some properties costing roughly $450 per month depending on the neighbourhood.

Their main monthly outlays are rent, school fees for their two sons, Amari and Xavier, and utilities, with recent water and electricity bills of about $21 and $107 respectively.

Both Veronica and Okino say the move has required longer working hours than they experienced in Virginia, but they remain optimistic that Nairobi offers the community and opportunities they sought.