After achieving considerable success in the highly competitive corporate arena of the United States, Brenda Azeze made a life-altering decision in 2018 to return to Kenya. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ohio and an impressive professional background, Brenda’s ambition was to employ her skills to assist her fellow Kenyan expatriates in navigating the intricate real estate market in their home country.
Upon her return, Brenda confronted the harsh reality of unemployment, despite her extensive experience in managing branches for prestigious institutions like JPMorgan Chase. Her challenges were a reflection of the struggles faced by numerous skilled professionals in Kenya, where high unemployment rates often pose obstacles for those returning from overseas.
Rather than succumbing to these challenges, Brenda redirected her energy towards entrepreneurship. She explored various business endeavors, including selling avocados and organic vegetables, but she eventually discovered her true calling in assisting the Kenyan diaspora in making wise investments in the real estate sector.
In July 2018, Brenda Azeze founded Brenda’s Diaspora Consultancy, an innovative firm with the primary objective of guiding Kenyan expatriates in making informed real estate investments. Speaking about her motivation, Ms. Azeze, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ohio, explained, “It was established as a solution provider for the Kenyan diaspora living across the world to enable them to invest and resolve their local issues using a trusted source while providing employment to local businesses.”
She launched this venture after facing difficulty securing employment in Kenya, despite her impressive 15-year track record in the United States. Brenda was optimistic that her extensive resume, including her role in managing an entire region with seven branches in Texas for JPMorgan Chase and offering Bancorp products across the US market, would make it easier to find a job in her home country. However, she was disheartened to discover that the unemployment rate in Kenya, even for skilled professionals, was alarmingly high.
She also experimented with various business ventures, such as selling avocados and other organic produce to local markets and supermarkets. Yet, she encountered challenges with supermarkets either delaying payments or failing to pay altogether.
Brenda’s decision to enter the diasporan consulting business was driven by her desire to bridge the gap between the Kenyan expatriate community and Kenya itself. She sought to leverage her skills while simultaneously creating employment opportunities in various sectors across the nation. Recognizing the struggles that diaspora members face in attempting to realize their local projects, Brenda seized the opportunity to address this need.
Leveraging her extensive network and experience, Brenda forged vital collaborations with corporate lawyers, including Valentine Khaminwa and Lawrence Madialo, to offer dependable solutions to diaspora investors. Brenda’s consultancy swiftly earned a reputation as a trusted resource within the diaspora community.
She diligently guides her clients through the process, aiding them in selecting the most promising development projects and navigating the complexities of real estate transactions. Through strategic partnerships, including one with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Brenda ensures that her clients can seamlessly purchase properties and secure loans.
Brenda Azeze’s journey is far from complete. Her vision extends beyond the present, with the aim of expanding her business network and establishing one of the most respected investment firms in Kenya.
