Ali Baba,

Glad you brought this up. I was discussing with a friend yesterday,about how our state of mind is perpetually in Kenya mode even when we have and will spend a great deal of time away from Kenya. In doing so we spend a great deal of mental and financial capital in a country we barely live in and one we are not sure our children will like either.

I think part of the reason may be due to the fact that many Kenyan's immigrated to the diaspora when they had advanced in age - in their 20s,30s and even 40s. At such age,you probably have some greater ties & commitments back in Kenya,whether it is family left behind,investment,etc.

For this group of people,the goal is to raise some capital for investment back in Kenya and secure their retirement.

Perhaps people who emigrated with their parents as kids and teen,and those born in the diaspora to immigrants will have a different perspective about Kenya and may not see it as we do.

It is also possible that we assume that the markets abroad would shun our products or services - a race prejudice thing - making us unwilling to take the risk to begin businesses abroad and prefer Kenya.

I would invest in both and its not all for nothing. Its takes less to invest in Kenya,because of the rate of exchange. Just 2 investments,when you are not in the country-housing and long term shares.

Sometimes you also spend money in life,because you believe in something. Hehe i am alright and i was born in Kenya-i would want my kids to make that choice,home or adopted Country.

My believe is there is no country like Kenya. I have travelled and have friends and assocites that travel alot. They all feel the same,we all can'nt be wrong. I travel to Kenya twice a year,to stay in touch.With all our poverty and dis-organised gover,its still the only place you see geniune happy people and feel like home. Its takes a week of annoyance and frustration,soon forgotten. But when i want something i will get it and i have never bribed anyone or asked by the way. Just that look i got from mathee,be careful you are crossing the line.

Am yet to meet a person that has retired abroad,comfortable and very happy. Infact it would be interesting,to know where they go. Its the fast world when we hit that age,you will soon be unfit to stay at home alone. It will be that home that has grave yards not too far,infact over the fence. You could almost bury yourself,not to far to walk or float.

So am investing and will continue to invest,because i am coming home.











M

Question.....how many diasporan investors can u count who have actually retired to kenya??

Ali Baba

You are so long.....the last time I went home? I was there from Dec 2,2008 to June 1,2009.Leaving in 6 months and I'll be done with abroad.

Ali Baba

developed countries have lower returns on investment than developing countries.its a risk and return relation.then consider funds can be attained cheaper abroad than in kenya.personally i don't think they have to come back to kenya as long as your money can reach you any place you're located.

Live for today,act for tomorrow.