Kenyan man leaves American dream behind to build a new life in Diani with his family

James, a Kenyan who spent 16 years in the United States, has returned to Kenya with his American wife and young daughter to settle permanently in Diani, where they are building a family home and investing in affordable housing.

James studied, worked and eventually became a US citizen before deciding to return to Kenya with his wife, Karen, and their daughter, Amara Zawadi. The couple met in Utah in 2023 through a dating app and soon realised they shared the same vision for family life and community. Before moving, they sold or donated most of their belongings and relocated to Diani on Kenya's south coast.

The couple say their decision was guided by a desire to live closer to family, strengthen community ties and build a life with a stronger sense of purpose. They felt these priorities had become more difficult to maintain while living in the United States.

Alongside settling into their new home, James and Karen are investing in Kenya's property market. They are building a family house in Diani that will also operate as an Airbnb rental, while developing seven affordable housing units for local residents. They say the projects reflect both their long-term commitment to Kenya and their confidence in the country's property sector.

Family is at the centre of James's decision to return. In addition to Amara, he has three older daughters and has said he wants to create a stronger and more united family life in Kenya. He believes that, over time, living abroad made this goal increasingly important.