Earn Your Leisure Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Why Kelis Left America to Buy a 300 Acre Farm in Kenya & Show Others How to Build Wealth in Africa
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
Guest: Kelis
1. Introduction
In this special episode of the Earn Your Leisure Podcast, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings engage in an in-depth conversation with renowned artist and entrepreneur Kelis. The episode delves into Kelis's courageous decision to move from the United States to Kenya, where she has successfully established a sizable farming enterprise. This move is not just a personal endeavor but a strategic effort to empower the African continent and its diaspora through sustainable agriculture and business development.
2. Kelis' Move from the USA to Kenya
[00:00 - 01:37]
Note: This segment contains advertisements and is skipped.
[01:37] Alvin: "Live from Kenya with Kelis on her 150 acres, soon to be 300 acres of land..."
[05:29] Alvin: "As I'm sure you've probably seen on Social and from the clip before this, Kelis is somebody that actually moved full time from the United States of America to Kenya a year and a half ago."
Kelis shares her journey from being a globally recognized singer to becoming a full-time farmer and business mogul in Kenya. Initially hesitant to uproot her life from California, her passion for sustainable living and providing her family with healthy, controlled food sources motivated her to explore farming. The COVID-19 pandemic further solidified her commitment as she witnessed firsthand the vulnerabilities in food supply chains, inspiring her to scale her farming efforts.
Notable Quote:
"I felt like I needed more education. So farming became that, like, freedom."
- Kelis [07:09]
3. Process of Buying Land in Kenya
[11:04] Eyl: "Why Kenya?"
[11:22] Kelis: "Kenya is everything. Kenya has everything. It is the hub of East Africa for technology and finance and obviously agriculture."
Kelis emphasizes Kenya's strategic position as a technology and financial hub in East Africa, coupled with its fertile land and vibrant communities. The decision to invest in Kenya was driven by its robust infrastructure, democratic governance, and the welcoming nature of its people. Navigating the land acquisition process involved setting up a Kenyan business entity, obtaining necessary permits, and securing a reliable legal advisor to ensure legitimate and secure transactions.
Notable Quote:
"I want to build a little community out here."
- Kelis [02:17]
4. Farming Operations and Business Model
[23:02] Kelis: "If you put in five acres of onions, you can make between... $35,000 within a quarter."
Kelis has strategically focused on cultivating high-demand crops like onions, especially after Tanzania, a key exporter, banned onion exports. Her farming model leverages Kenya's rich soil and favorable climate to maximize yield and profitability. By implementing sustainable farming practices, including organic methods and efficient irrigation systems like boreholes, Kelis ensures both environmental preservation and economic viability.
Notable Quote:
"Africa's our history, and it's our future."
- Kelis [34:46]
5. Community and Local Impact
[27:40] Eyl: "How has the impact of the locals had on the process of you saying, all right, I've got this acreage, I want to add more?"
Kelis highlights the profound support and collaboration from the local community. The Kenyan people are not only willing to help but also actively contribute ideas and solutions that enhance her farming operations. This symbiotic relationship fosters a thriving ecosystem where both the business and the community benefit mutually. By hiring local agronomists and implementing community-driven projects, Kelis ensures her ventures uplift the surrounding areas economically and socially.
Notable Quote:
"People are so willing to help. They're so willing."
- Kelis [27:28]
6. Education, Healthcare, and Family Adaptation
[45:09] Kelis: "My kids are homeschooled... They're on the National Kenya swimming team."
Transitioning her family to Kenya involved adapting to a new educational and healthcare system. Kelis opted for homeschooling, utilizing innovative AI-based programs like Fusion Academy to provide a flexible and personalized education for her children. This approach allowed her family to maintain a stable and quality education despite the relocations. Additionally, she praises Kenya's healthcare system for its affordability and quality, debunking common misconceptions about medical services in Africa.
Notable Quote:
"My sister called me, and she said, I'm going to Africa. And I was like, well, I'll fund it, right?"
- Kelis [08:04]
7. Future Projects: Wellness Retreat and Technology
[38:55] Kelis: "I want to do a wellness retreat of like, food is medicine."
Kelis envisions expanding her land holdings into a luxurious, sustainable wellness retreat that integrates agriculture, fine dining, and relaxation spaces. Drawing from her culinary background and farming expertise, she aims to create a sanctuary where guests can enjoy organic, farm-to-table meals, engage in wellness activities, and reconnect with nature. Additionally, she is developing tech solutions like Tech Check, a security app, and another app to facilitate finding services like nannies and housekeepers, demonstrating her commitment to leveraging technology for community improvement.
Notable Quote:
"Africa's our history, and it's our future."
- Kelis [34:46]
8. Challenges and Overcoming Them
[30:03] Kelis: "Water has been a challenge."
Establishing a farm in Kenya presented several challenges, from securing reliable water sources to managing wildlife interactions. Kelis navigated these hurdles by investing in borehole systems for irrigation and implementing sustainable practices to coexist with local fauna. Additionally, dealing with different legal frameworks and ensuring land security required persistence and reliance on trustworthy local advisors. Her California farm experience served as a training ground, equipping her with the resilience needed to tackle these obstacles effectively.
Notable Quote:
"It's just something you have to learn, right?"
- Kelis [26:01]
9. Music and Current Projects
[64:07] Kelis: "I recorded the second half of my record here in Kenya."
Despite her deep involvement in farming and business, Kelis continues to nurture her music career. She has recently completed her latest record in Kenya, collaborating with South African producers and East African engineers. Her upcoming single, slated for release in the summer, reflects her integration of African influences into her music, symbolizing the blend of her artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
Notable Quote:
"I wanted people to see it. I was in shock and in awe."
- Kelis [54:07]
10. Kelis' Vision for Africa and the Diaspora
[34:46] Kelis: "Why am I continuously investing in Western society when I can help build Africa?"
Kelis articulates a powerful vision where the African diaspora leverages their resources to foster growth and prosperity on the continent. She criticizes the limited growth opportunities in Western societies for black investors and promotes Africa as the future with untapped potential. Her initiatives aim to create sustainable businesses, provide employment, and build a legacy that positively impacts both her family and the broader African community.
Notable Quote:
"Africa's our history, and it's our future."
- Kelis [34:46]
11. Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Kelis exemplifies how passion, strategic planning, and community collaboration can drive meaningful change. Her transition from a music career to farming and business development in Kenya serves as an inspiring model for others in the diaspora looking to invest ethically and sustainably in Africa. Kelis emphasizes the importance of education, technology, and wellness in building a holistic and prosperous future for the continent and its people.
Final Notable Quote:
"This is the time now. This is a place where you can invest and you can see returns quickly and actually be of use."
- Kelis [66:27]
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Investment: Kelis's move to Kenya is a calculated effort to invest in a growing market with vast agricultural potential.
- Sustainability: Emphasizing organic and sustainable farming practices ensures environmental preservation and long-term profitability.
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with the local community fosters mutual growth and support.
- Educational Innovation: Utilizing AI-based homeschooling allows her children to receive quality education while adapting to a new environment.
- Tech Integration: Developing apps like Tech Check showcases the integration of technology to solve local challenges.
- Visionary Leadership: Kelis advocates for the diaspora to play an active role in Africa's development, highlighting the continent's untapped potential.
For More Information: To learn more about Kelis's projects and opportunities to invest in Kenyan land and farming ventures, follow her on Instagram or visit BountyInfo.com.
Notable Timestamps and Quotes
- [07:07] "Farming became that, like, freedom." — Kelis
- [23:02] "If you put in five acres of onions, you can make between... $35,000 within a quarter." — Kelis
- [34:46] "Africa's our history, and it's our future." — Kelis
- [54:07] "I wanted people to see it. I was in shock and in awe." — Kelis
- [66:27] "This is the time now. This is a place where you can invest and you can see returns quickly and actually be of use." — Kelis
This episode of Earn Your Leisure provides a compelling narrative of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and cultural empowerment. Kelis's experiences and insights serve as a beacon for those looking to make impactful investments in Africa, blending business acumen with a deep sense of purpose.