Kenya has taken a bold step to deepen its engagement with African-American and global diaspora communities by appointing PDM Group, one of East Africa’s most established real estate and urban development firms as lead strategic partner for the new Journey Back to Eden (JBE) programme.
The initiative, launched on 1 December 2025 at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, aims to provide a structured pathway for diaspora families seeking to reconnect with their heritage, invest, and potentially relocate permanently.
The launch was attended by senior government officials from the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Representing the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary was Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, who described the JBE programme as a “significant opportunity for Kenya to position itself as a preferred destination for both cultural return and investment.”
He praised PDM Group’s long-standing industry credibility, noting that the firm provides the structure and trust necessary for families considering relocation.
Under the terms of the partnership, PDM Group will oversee all components of relocation and settlement services under JBE, ranging from real estate advisory and property acquisition to development, housing solutions, and long-term property management.
But the initiative extends beyond housing. Through collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), JBE promises a holistic relocation ecosystem. This includes access to healthcare, education, financial services, and community wellbeing, critical considerations for diaspora families evaluating a return.
The inclusion of these support services seeks to mitigate common barriers associated with relocation, such as lack of infrastructure, education or healthcare access.
In her remarks, PDM Group CEO Natasha Mutai said the partnership reflects the company’s vision of offering diaspora communities “a dignified, informed and empowering experience” to invest, relocate and build new lives in Kenya.
The JBE programme is positioning itself not as a short-stay tourism initiative, but as an immersive, multi-dimensional experience tailored to diaspora needs. Prospective participants will be offered 7-day and 12-day itineraries designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s real estate market, relocation logistics, medical tourism, wellness, education, and cultural heritage.
These itineraries will also expose diaspora individuals and families to investment opportunities in real estate, entrepreneurship, and community ventures offering them the chance to make informed decisions about relocation, property acquisition, and long-term settlement, while reconnecting with their roots.
The partnership between PDM Group and JBE comes amid a broader push by the Kenyan government to harness the potential of its diaspora beyond remittances. By offering structured, credible settlement pathways, Kenya aims to transform diaspora engagement into long-term investment, skills transfer, and cultural reintegration.
Proponents describe this move as part of Africa’s emerging “reconnection economy,” a growing ecosystem that caters to individuals seeking to return to the continent either for cultural roots, business opportunities or residency.
Several other African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, have launched similar programmes targeting descendants of Africans in the Americas and Europe. Yet Kenya’s model stands out for combining cultural diplomacy with real estate, healthcare, education and investment frameworks.
By institutionalizing diaspora settlement and investment, Kenya hopes to attract stable foreign direct investment, boost its real estate and tourism sectors, and strengthen its global cultural footprint. Government officials say the move sends a clear message: Kenya is open, ready and eager to welcome its diaspora home.
To promote the initiative globally and reach its targeted diaspora communities, JBE and PDM Group are planning an international outreach tour in February 2026 during Black History Month.
The tour will take place in cities with significant African-American populations, including Atlanta, Houston, and Washington, D.C. to build awareness and engagement ahead of the first large cohort of participants.
Organisers believe this outreach is critical in positioning Kenya as a credible destination for cultural return, investment, and long-term settlement. For many diaspora individuals seeking to reconnect with heritage and build a future on the African continent, the JBE programme could offer an unprecedented opportunity.
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