Former Black Ink Crew Chicago star Charmaine Bey has officially started a new chapter in Kenya after relocating from Los Angeles with her husband, Neek Bey, and their two daughters, Nola and Charlie.
The reality television personality and entrepreneur arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on July 15, marking the beginning of what the family hopes will be a permanent move to East Africa.
Carrying 13 suitcases and embracing a fresh start, the Bey family says they are ready to build a life in Kenya.
Sharing a video of their arrival on Instagram, Charmaine described the warm reception they received despite landing before sunrise.
“Look at this warm welcome we received at 5 in the morning! I wish you all can feel how our spirits awakened from this. Kenya, we are here and here to stay! Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. We just wanted to let you know we made it to Kenya safe and sound!”
For Charmaine and Neek, the move was not a spontaneous decision.
The couple had initially planned to travel to Africa to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony.
While exploring destinations with relocation specialists, they began looking beyond a short holiday and instead considered what life on the continent could look like for their young family.
The couple has said they were drawn to the country’s hospitality, vibrant culture and family-oriented lifestyle. They also wanted to raise their daughters in an environment that offered a slower, more intentional pace of life than what they experienced in Los Angeles.
Before making the final decision, the family researched several African countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. After weighing their options, they chose Kenya as the place where they wanted to begin their next chapter.
Rather than making an immediate permanent commitment, the Bey family has enrolled in Traverze Culture’s 90-day Relocation Integration Program.
The programme is designed to help members of the African diaspora experience everyday life before making long-term relocation decisions.
During the three-month period, participants explore housing, healthcare, schools, investment opportunities and local culture while navigating the practical realities of living in Kenya.
The structured approach allows families to experience life beyond tourism and determine whether Kenya is the right fit for their long-term goals.
For Charmaine and Neek, the programme also provides an opportunity to ease their daughters into a new environment while learning how to navigate daily life in Nairobi.
Since arriving, Charmaine has been documenting the family’s experiences across social media, giving followers a glimpse into their transition.
From settling into their Nairobi home to experiencing Kenyan hospitality, the family has shared snippets of their first days in the country.
The couple has also expressed interest in creating content around the practical aspects of relocating, including the cost of living, schools, neighbourhoods and raising children in Kenya.
Among the destinations they hope to visit are the Maasai Mara during the annual wildebeest migration and the white sandy beaches of Diani on Kenya’s south coast.
They have also spoken enthusiastically about experiencing authentic Kenyan cuisine and immersing themselves in the country’s diverse cultures.
Beyond travel, the family has already begun connecting with local communities.
Just days after arriving, Charmaine and Neek hosted a fan meet-and-greet in Nairobi, where supporters welcomed them to their new home.
