Investment Opportunities for Kenyans Living Abroad (Diaspora Guide)

Most of the Kenyans living abroad have been wondering on ways they can invest back home safely and profitably, without their money being misused by some of the relatives at home.
Each and every year, Kenyans in Diaspora have been sending billions of shillings back to their homes, but a few use the money in long term investments.

Here is my diaspora investment guide, which will assist you in knowing the best investment opportunities for Kenyans abroad. Like real estate, agriculture, stocks and digital ventures, which in return has good results on returns and keeping money safe and secure.

Real Estate and Property Development.

Real estate is the most trusted investment option by most Kenyans living abroad. Demand for housing in major cities in Kenya like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and other small towns, continue to grow as numerous people move from rural areas to urban areas.

How to Invest:
Purchase land using verified platforms like HassConsult, Optiven or Username investments.
You can build rental apartments, Airbnb units or student hostels near colleges and universities.
Use of trusted property managers to take care of tenants and maintaining the property.
Estimated ROI is 8 to 12% annually.

Agribusiness Ventures.

For sustainable way of building wealth from abroad while supporting local farmers, you need to practice agriculture.
You can invest in cash crops, poultry and dairy projects remotely if you have a right partner.

How to do it:

• Partner with agri-investment firms that offer services of managing farms.
• Invest in crops like avocado, macadamia and flowers which can be exported.
• Use of digital tools to track how the farm is perfoming from abroad.
• Estimated ROI: 15-25% yearly.

Nairobi Securities Exchange(NSE) and Treasury bonds.

Important for Kenyans in abroad looking for stable and regulated investments, NSE stocks and government securities are good options to start with.
You can invest in Central Bank of Kenya or licenced brokers online.

Here is how you do it:

• Open a CDS account with a local bank or even a broker.
• Buy blue chip stocks like safaricom, Equity Bank and KCB.
• Invest in treasury bonds for good returns and low risk.

Estimated ROI 10-15% annually.

Online Businesses and Digital Investments.

Kenyans abroad are diversifying in digital ventures that earns them income globally.
Like blogging, e-commerce or AI-powered startups from anywhere.

Ideas to try:

• Start a niche website monetized by Google Adsense like Smarthustleke.
• Launch an online store selling Kenyan made products to global markets.
• Invest in AI-powered tools and SaaS for revenue.

Estimated ROI 20 – 40%(Depending on business model).

Diaspora Savings and Investment Accounts.

Most banks in Kenya offer diaspora accounts that allows saving, investing and currency conversion benefits. The accounts allows you to save in USD, GBP or KES and access investment funds or real estate loans directly.

Banks offering Diaspora Accounts:

• Equity Bank Diaspora Banking.
• KCB Diaspora Banking.
• Co-operative bank diaspora services.
• Absa Diaspora Investment Accounts.

Estimated ROI 5 – 8%(low risk, secure returns).

SACCOs and Chamas for Kenyans Abroad.

SACCOs and investment groups allows Kenyans abroad to invest collectively in projects at home since they are digital.

Trusted Diaspora SACCOs:

• Kenya USA Diaspora SACCO.
• Kenya North America Diaspora SACCO (KNADS).
• Diaspora Investment Club Kenya.

With these services offered you can invest in land, appartments and business ventures, while sharing profits among members.

Estimated ROI: 10-20% annually.

As a Kenyan living abroad, the key to successful investing is due deligence, ensure you verify any company or land before sending any money. Focus on legitimate, high return opportunities like real estate, agribusiness to digital ventures and diaspora accounts, you can build a long lasting wealth.