Veronica and Okino Oakley packed up their lives in Virginia Beach and flew more than 7,000 miles to Nairobi, Kenya, seeking a better life for their family of four.
What is American couple’s monthly rent?
Nine months later, they are sharing an unfiltered account of what the move actually costs — and what it nearly cost them.
The couple now rents a three-bedroom apartment in Nairobi for approximately KSh233,000 per month, a figure that includes en-suite bathrooms in every room, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a sauna, a movie theatre, private parking and round-the-clock security.
How much does American couple pay for water bill?
They are emphatic that the same package would be unattainable at that price anywhere in the United States.
“You cannot get this in the States for KSh 233,000. Three-bedroom. Every bedroom is ensuite,” Okino said in a video shared by Webnation on September 16, 2026.
Monthly utility bills in Nairobi have come as a welcome surprise. The family’s most recent water bill came to roughly KSh2,500. Back in Virginia, Okino estimates the same household would have paid upwards of KSh 15,000.
How much does American couple pay for electricity?
Electricity ran to KSh13,000 to KSh14,000, compared to an estimated KSh34,000 they would have faced at home.
School fees remain the single largest monthly outgoing, a reality both acknowledge without complaint.
“You don’t lose any money when you pay for school here because your kids are going to gain a level of education that you’re not accustomed to,” Okino said.
Does the American couple have kids?
The couple also travelled with sons Amari and Xavier, and estimate that flights alone for the four of them ran between KSh 388,000 and KSh 517,000.
The move was not without serious consequence. Before leaving the United States, the Oakleys had built a business generating close to KSh 129.6 million in annual revenue, up from around KSh 38.9 million.
They left it in the care of others. Within five months it had collapsed entirely — a financial blow they are now working to recover from.
Does the couple have any regrets of moving to Nairobi?
Despite that setback, the couple say they have no regrets about choosing Nairobi.
They caution, however, that new arrivals who skip thorough research risk being significantly overcharged. During their search, they encountered landlords asking over KSh 300,000 per month for properties inferior to their current home.
“You can get ‘Mzungu-ed’ out here real quick,” Okino warned. For those willing to do the homework, he says homes can be found for as little as KSh 58,000 a month.
