After years of thriving in the competitive corporate landscape of the United States, Brenda Azeze made a pivotal decision to return to Kenya in 2018.
Armed with a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ohio and an impressive resume, Brenda envisioned utilizing her skills to assist her fellow Kenyans abroad in navigating the complex real estate market back home.
Upon her return, Brenda faced the harsh reality of unemployment, despite her extensive experience managing branches for renowned institutions like JPMorgan Chase.
Her struggles mirrored those of many skilled workers in Kenya, where high unemployment rates often hinder opportunities for professionals returning from abroad.
Rather than succumbing to these challenges, Brenda channeled her energy into entrepreneurship.
She explored various business ventures, including selling avocados and organic vegetables, but found her true calling in helping the Kenyan diaspora invest wisely in real estate.
In July 2018, Brenda Anzeze founded Brenda’s Diaspora Consultancy, a pioneering firm aimed at aiding Kenyans abroad in making informed real estate investments.
”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 the local businesses,”said Ms Anzeze who holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ohio.
She initiated the firm after being unable to secure a job in Kenya, despite her impressive 15 years of working experience in the US.
With her colourful CV, she thought it would be much easier to get a job here at home but she was in for a rude shock.
“I mean I managed a whole region of seven-branches in Texas for JPMorgan Chase and offered Bancorp products across the US market,” she adds.
“I had high expectations upon arrival in Kenya, but I was very disappointed as the rate of unemployment was high even for skilled workers.”
She also tried all sorts of businesses such as selling avocados and other organic veggies to mama mbogas as well as supermarkets but she experienced some challenges. Supermarkets could not pay her on time or not pay at all.
“I decided to venture into this diasporan consulting business because I wanted to bridge the gap between diaspora and Kenya while applying my skills and creating employment across the nation in different sectors. I realised the gap and struggles diaspora have in trying to achieve some of their local projects and took advantage of it,” she says.
Meanwhile, Leveraging her extensive network and experience, Brenda established crucial collaborations with corporate lawyers, including Valentine Khaminwa and Lawrence Madialo, to offer reliable solutions to diaspora investors.
Brenda’s consultancy quickly became a beacon of trust for the diaspora community.
She meticulously guides her clients, helping them select the most promising development projects and navigate the intricacies of real estate transactions.
Through strategic partnerships, including one with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Brenda ensures her clients can purchase properties and secure loans seamlessly.
Brenda Anzeze’s journey is far from over. Her vision extends beyond the present, aiming to expand her business network and establish one of the most reputable investment companies in Kenya.
