She came, loved, and is now sharing it.
This perfectly describes Kea Simmons, an African-American entrepreneur who has devoted her life to helping black Americans tour, invest and live in Africa.
Through his firm Traverze Culture, Kea has among other things been part of the US's armed forces in several war-torn nations is not only interested in repatriating blacks back to the 'cradle of mankind' but also bridging colour wealth gap.
Studies show that although black families saw their wealth grow more than that of non-black households during the pandemic, the racial wealth gap is still vast.
According to Wells Fargo, the average net worth among black households rose to more than $340,000 through the third quarter of last year from the end of 2019, marking an increase of 32 per cent over just 11 quarters.
While non-Black families had a much higher starting point at roughly $950,000 just before the onset of the pandemic, their wealth rose just 21per cent over the same period.
But even with the improvement, the racial wealth gap is still staggering: Black Americans’ net worth is 70 percent below that of non-Black households.
Disturbed by these statistics but armed with zeal, a superb team and growing inter-government-private sector corporations, Kea fell in love with Kenya on his first trip to the country and has since made it her mission to share this connection with others.
It all started with Simmons leading a group of African Americans on a five-day safari in search of their African roots a decade ago, where she observed the genuine love she and her friends had for Kenya.
This inspired her to co-found World View, a company aimed at bringing African Americans to the “cradle of mankind.”
Despite eventually parting ways with her initial partner, Simmons continued her mission through Traverze Culture, the vehicle she now uses to offer similar services.
She reveals an intense shift of identity, saying she no longer sees herself as merely American but embraces the term “African diaspora,” proudly stating, “We are the cousins of Africa.”
Kea has already adopted a Kenyan name, Wakesho Akinyi, and has applied for Kenyan citizenship.
Describing the return to the cradle of life as an emerging concept, she refers to it as the “journey to Eden.”
She is doing this by offering an array of products stemming from the hospitality industry.
The company offers concierge services, box travel, showcasing marginalised cultures and global Reach.
"Our curated collection of experiences, products, and stories will transport you to enchanting corners of the globe, sparking a sense of wonder and igniting your desire to see, taste, and embrace the beauty surrounding us,'' Kea said.
Recently, Simmons received a symbolic 40-acre piece of land in Thika, that serves not only as a historic gesture but as an opportunity for African American tourists to invest in Kenya.
Taking inspiration from the historic promise of “forty acres and a mule,” she envisions an estate where Americans can live alongside their Kenyan counterparts. Mzee Gitu wa Kahengeri, the chairman of Mau Mau veterans, granted access to this land, which signifies a unique gift to black Americans.
Forty acres and a mule was part of Special Field Order No. 15, a wartime order proclaimed by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on January 16, 1865, during the American Civil War, to allot land to some freed black families, in plots of land no larger than 40 acres (16 ha).
So, the phrase “forty acres and a mule” is usually meant to evoke the federal government’s failure to redistribute land after the Civil War and the economic hardship that African Americans suffered. As Northern armies moved through the South at the end of the war, blacks began cultivating land abandoned by whites.
“It is in this spirit that Mzee Gitu is enabling black Americans to build an estate where Americans can live side by side with their Kenyan counterparts,” she said.
With Githu’s promise, Simmons plans to expand the estate, dedicating 50 additional acres for farming and an extra 64 acres for an institution housing both Kenyan and American children. This ground-breaking project aims to create the first estate in Africa where Americans and Africans coexist.
As part of her business approach, Simmons seeks to go beyond traditional tourism experiences. Her unique package offers clients the opportunity to be tourists, investors, and potential re-locators all in one comprehensive journey.
She thinks that the tried and tested safaris and mountain climbing are okay, however, a more tangible benefit will always spice up travel and make more business sense.
“This means that the clients come for seven days first as tourists, then as investors and ultimately as re-locators all in one package.”
To foster cultural understanding and minimise conflicts, Simmons will take 30 Kenyans to South Carolina. This exchange aims to facilitate tough conversations and build bridges between the two cultures.
Acknowledging immigration challenges, Simmons, a resilient ex-military mother, is determined to navigate the complexities and ease transitions. Her extensive global travels, encompassing 47 countries, contribute to her confidence in asserting that Kenya and Nairobi are safe havens.
“While you think that Nairobi is Babylon, that is peanuts compared to what’s happening out there. That, coupled with Kenya’s friendly people, makes work easier for us.”
Targeting individuals earning over $80,000 with disposable income, Kea envisions relocating 5,000 black Americans to Kenya.
This strategic move not only aims to enrich the lives of those who make the journey but also seeks to tap into the estimated $1.9 trillion black American spending through a conscious trade and commerce deal.