Kelis Begins New Chapter in Kenya as Farmer, Entrepreneur, and Community Builder

Two people smiling on a scenic overlook with a lake and forest in the background
Status Ain't Hood Staff
June 26, 2025
Woman in a yellow Kenya jersey smiling outdoors with mountains in the background

Grammy-nominated singer and culinary entrepreneur Kelis Rogers, best known for her 2003 hit “Milkshake,” has quietly begun a transformative new chapter—leaving behind Hollywood life for the rich soil and vibrant culture of rural Kenya. Now a legal resident, Kelis is channeling her talents into sustainable farming, wellness, and community-driven development.


Kelis has acquired 150 acres of farmland in Kenya, with plans to expand to 300 acres. Her vision includes an eco-conscious hub that combines organic agriculture, wellness retreats, and high-end dining rooted in both African and Californian traditions. “Kenya has everything,” she said on the Earn Your Leisure podcast. “You can be far removed or in bustling Nairobi. It’s super safe, you can invest money and be here.”


What began as a family trip turned into a permanent move for Kelis, her mother, aunt, and three children. Following the 2022 death of her husband, photographer Mike Mora, the transition has offered healing and rebirth. Her eldest son, Knight Jones—whom she shares with rapper Nas—has even joined the Kenyan National Swimming Team. “He loves it here,” Kelis said proudly. “He’s got friends, and now he’s on the National Kenyan swimming team.”

Two people smiling on a scenic overlook with a lake and forest in the background
Group of smiling people posing outdoors, with colorful clothing and a purple bag in front

Kelis’s farm is more than personal refuge—it’s a model of sustainability. She’s incorporating solar-powered fencing to protect crops from local wildlife, and is committed to hiring local staff and sourcing regional materials, ensuring her investment benefits the community directly.


Once known for reshaping pop and R&B, Kelis is now forging a new legacy in East Africa—one that blends entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and even AI-powered homeschooling. Her journey from music star to Kenyan-based pioneer is a bold, deeply personal reinvention rooted in purpose, resilience, and a vision for lasting impact.

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