They Left America, Sold Their Land in Gambia & Started Over in Kenya

Samal and Jessica thought The Gambia would be their new home. They had even bought land there. Then they visited Kenya—and after just one week, they began rethinking their entire plan. In this Webnation Africa episode, the couple share why they sold their land in The Gambia and chose to build a life in Diani, on Kenya’s coast. They take us through their art space, Art Shop Artisans, and explain how the move gave them more time to create, connect with their community, and enjoy daily life. They also discuss the practical side of relocating to Kenya, including their reported $260 monthly rent for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment near the beach. That figure describes their own home and circumstances, not a typical rental price across Kenya. Was their change of plans a leap of faith or the result of finally finding the place that felt like home? Watch their story and tell us what you think in the comments. Subscribe to Webnation Africa for firsthand stories about relocation, entrepreneurship, and life across the continent. Guest Info: Samal- IG @Artshop_cafe YT- The Artists’ Journal Website- ArtshopArtisans.bigcartel.com Jessica- IG @artbyj.loren/ website- https://artbyjloren.com Almasi Art Agency- IG Almasi.art.agency Chapters: 00:00 They bought land in The Gambia—then chose Kenya 01:41 Meet Samal and Jessica in Diani 02:53 Why one week in Kenya changed their plans 03:40 Why the Kenyan coast felt like home 05:15 Inside their art gallery 07:26 Building Art Shop Artisans 09:31 The misconceptions they heard about Africa 12:09 Meet the artists and tour the workspace 14:16 Community and daily life in Diani 20:07 The adjustments they’ve had to make 21:40 Why getting their time back matters most 23:07 What led them to leave America 25:10 The financial lesson from Tanzania 26:57 Their monthly costs, including $260 rent 28:41 Their plans for a home, farm, and larger art space 30:59 What their new life means to them Join out Ghana trip : https://webnationtraveltour.squadtrip... For business inquiries and collaborations, reach us at webnation@agecreators.com Or webnationafrica@gmail.com For enquiries about our trips email , info@webnationtraveltour.com Let me know if you're okay with adding this! Join our waitlist : https://mailchi.mp/a549363e9c39/webna... #Kenya #DianiBeach #MovingToKenya #BlackExpats #WebnationAfrica