This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Published on October 18, 2019, a group of 30 African-Americans, led by Kea Tiffani Simmons, have embarked on a five-day safari in search of their African roots and are considering making Kenya their new home.
Simmons, a 37-year-old founder of World Views Organisation, has been visiting Kenya since 2012 and has already invested in property in Juja. Born in South Carolina, she has taken up her new name, Akinyi, which means 'born in the morning' and reminds her of the freedom she feels in Kenya.
Simmons and her group, who hail from the US, UK, and other parts of the world, are drawn to Kenya's warm and friendly people, as well as its blend of cultures and Western values. They are also attracted to the country's real estate market, with some already investing in property.
British Jamaican Pat Headly, 65, who is also part of the group, believes that East Africa is the best place for African-Americans or African-Britons to settle. He has been living in the UK for 55 years and has experienced racism, but finds Kenya to be a welcoming and inclusive society.
The group's itinerary includes a visit to Mombasa, where they will receive new Kenyan names from Mijikenda elders. This is a significant moment for them, as it marks the beginning of their journey to connect with their African roots.
