Why Diaspora Landlords Lose Money in Kenya

For many Kenyans in the diaspora, investing in property back home feels like a dream fulfilled. It’s the proof of years of sacrifice, a nest egg for retirement, or even a family legacy. But while the investment itself is solid, the reality of managing it from abroad is often very different.

Too many diaspora landlords quietly lose money every year, not because of bad choices in property, but because of what happens after the purchase.

1. Rent That Never Reaches You

One of the biggest frustrations is rent leakage. Many landlords rely on caretakers, relatives, or informal payment channels. Without oversight, some tenants delay, underpay, or skip rent entirely. By the time you realize it, months of income are gone.

2. Repairs That Drain Your Pocket

A leaking roof, burst pipe, or electrical fault can quickly spiral into major expenses if not fixed promptly. When repairs are delayed—or exaggerated by someone managing the property—landlords abroad pay the price.

3. Dishonest Middlemen

Trust is expensive. Some caretakers collect rent faithfully, but others inflate costs, pocket part of the rent, or fail to account for expenses. With no way to verify, diaspora landlords are left guessing.

4. Scattered Records

If your “system” is WhatsApp updates, scattered bank slips, and paper receipts, you’re not alone. But this lack of structure makes it impossible to know whether your property is profitable—or bleeding cash.

5. Tenant Turnover

When issues take too long to resolve, good tenants don’t stick around. Every empty unit is lost income, and filling vacancies from abroad is even more costly.