After seven years of working as a housekeeper in Saudi Arabia, 39-year-old Wawira Ngungi returned to Kenya with hopes of rebuilding her life through a small-scale farming project.
However, her return has been marked by disappointment after she allegedly lost KSh 400,000 she had sent to a man she trusted to help establish a melon farming venture on her behalf.
According to Wawira, the funds were transferred through M-Pesa while she was still abroad, with the expectation that the money would be used to set up and manage the farm until her return.
She said that when she later sought updates on the project, she was informed that the farm had been destroyed by heavy rains. However, she claims she was not provided with any supporting evidence such as photographs, receipts, or records of the farming activities.
Expressing frustration, Wawira said she began to doubt whether the project had ever existed, adding that her attempts to seek clarification and accountability have not been successful.
Her situation was further compounded by personal loss, including the death of her mother, which had already placed significant financial and emotional strain on her during her time abroad.
Wawira had hoped the investment would provide a stable foundation upon her return, but says she is now left without the expected support or returns.
The case highlights ongoing concerns among some Kenyans in the diaspora about informal investments and the risks of entrusting funds to unverified business arrangements back home.
She is now calling for greater accountability and caution, especially for migrant workers who send money home with expectations of long-term investment and support.