Investing Back Home: The Diaspora Guide
It is almost every diaspora investor’s long-term intention to invest back home. Whether it is building a retirement home or growing a portfolio of properties, it all happens with a lot of enthusiasm and fulfilment.
Amidst this whole process lies the basis of trust. Who do you trust, when do you trust them and more importantly, for how long do you trust them?
Many opt for relatives with the assumption that blood is thicker than water. The mentality is often that a relative cannot steal from you, or if they do, then at least the money benefited a “family member.” Many have learnt the hard way from this approach over time, to an extent of doing their own things with zero involvement from relatives, simply by trusting a professional stranger instead.
For many diaspora investors, these projects are not just developments. They represent years of sacrifice, hard work abroad, discipline, and the dream of eventually returning home with dignity and stability. That is why every decision made during the process matters.
So How Do You Find the Right Person?
First, it starts with you maintaining focus on what you want. The professional will help you settle on what you need later on. The good thing about narrowing your focus is that you increase your chances of arriving at the most convenient person.
Nowadays, in the digital era, the marketplace is majorly online, but unfortunately it is saturated with more people who talk online rather than do the actual work; in other terms, quacks.
As a matter of fact, the person you are looking for might not even be active on social media. They may have minimal following, rarely post their craft, or simply rely on referrals and existing networks because their work already speaks for itself.
So what next?
Networking events aligned to sectors of your interest becomes very important. You have a chance of finding the right person whom you can judge from conversation, exposure, and how well they understand their craft.
Not enough?
The next best option is visiting areas where you have seen similar projects being done. If you admire treehouses, go where treehouses are being built and talk directly with owners. If the project is still under construction, even better, because you may directly meet the professional team in charge.
At Rickfes Construction Ltd., we have interacted with different diaspora investors who mainly needed one thing: peace of mind. Not just construction services, but proper representation, coordination, accountability and professional management on their behalf.
Take Your Time
It is always important to take your time after the first interaction because any ingenuine person is usually exposed over time.
I understand the excitement that comes with a new venture, but it still needs to be done right and carefully planned, whether your budget is limited or unlimited.
I have seen scenarios where investors choose the right professionals and later introduce relatives to “spy” or monitor the project. Well, it makes sense. However, there needs to be boundaries, and you must fully take responsibility for your spy.
Most of them are rarely technical and may end up imposing project decisions without understanding the implications. Others begin playing “the boss” without your knowledge, only for the professional to eventually give up, exit the project, and leave you exposed.
The Foundation of Everything
This conversation is majorly tailored around settling on the right person because that forms the foundation of everything. If you start wrong, recovering from the regrets that follow becomes extremely difficult.
The person you choose should be a good manager as management sets the pace for everything else, whether it is about people, finances, crises e.t.c They should have good knowledge of market trends and be well informed on relevant surroundings, regulations and related intelligence. They should demonstrate the capacity to deliver to your satisfaction.
I see many people skip this step because of high levels of skepticism and cost vis a vis value concerns but the truth is that you need that person. Yes, professional management may appear costly at first, but the level of risk managed on your behalf makes it far more affordable in the long run.
For diaspora investors building or investing remotely in Kenya, having the right professional team handling your project can be the difference between a seamless experience and years of frustration, delays, losses and disappointment.
We have been development partners for investors and at times private service providers for a range of private clientele. We remain appreciative of those who trust us with their vision and acknowledge the importance of having professionals manage projects on their behalf with structure, transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, investing back home should be a fulfilling experience, not a stressful one. Do not rush because of excitement, pressure from relatives, or fear of missing opportunities. Take time to understand your vision, identify the right professionals, and build proper systems of communication, accountability and trust.
Amidst this whole process lies the basis of trust. Who do you trust, when do you trust them and more importantly, for how long do you trust them?
For more information, reach out to us via info@rickfes.co.ke
At Rickfes Construction Ltd, we support investors throughout the entire investment journey; from concept development to project handover. Whether you are a Kenyan in the diaspora or a foreign investor entering the Kenyan real estate market, structured professional management remains as the best safeguards for your investment.
