If a child grows up to be kind, healthy, responsible, self-sufficient, and decent—but not wealthy—has the sacrifice failed? Most people would instinctively say no. Yet many families behave as though the answer is yes. Not openly, of course. No parent sits their child down and says, "I didn't raise you to be happy. I raised you to be rich." But expectations have a way of revealing themselves. In comparisons with more successful relatives. In questions about promotions, land, and home ownership. In the disappointment that hangs in the air when a child is doing well enough to survive but not well enough to transform the family's fortunes. And perhaps nowhere is this tension more visible than in Kenya, where sacrifice is often treated as the highest form of love. Parents sacrifice for their children. Older siblings sacrifice for younger siblings. Entire generations sacrifice in the hope that the next one will live better. But what happens when sacrifice quietly becomes an...
If you’ve ever been invited to a ‘business opportunity’ meeting at Java by an overly enthusiastic friend promising financial freedom, congratulations! You’ve had a brush with Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), the modern-day version of being sold a dream wrapped in ‘hard work’ and Bible verses. The book Just Wait Till We Are Diamond details the harrowing journey of a child being groomed into MLM life, sacrificing normalcy, relationships, and childhood in pursuit of a rank that’s just one more motivational meeting away.
Sounds familiar? It should. Because as Kenyans, we’ve been fed similar illusions of success, not just by MLMs, but by society, motivational speakers, and even our own culture of blind hustle. Let’s unpack this and find real, Kenyan solutions that work.
Lesson 1: “Your Success Is in Your Hands” (But Is It, Though?)
One of the biggest MLM tactics is making you believe that success is 100% within your control. If you fail, it’s because you didn’t work hard enough—not because the system is rigged.
The Kenyan Version:
We hear this every day: “Kazi ni kazi,” “Lazima ujitume,” “If you are broke, it’s your fault.” But what they don’t tell you is that no amount of waking up at 4 AM will change the fact that some jobs simply don’t pay enough to sustain a life. Just like in MLMs, not everyone can ‘make it’ because the system thrives on keeping people desperate enough to keep pushing.
Real Kenyan Solution:
Instead of blindly chasing generic success, understand the economic realities of Kenya. Before investing in anything, ask:
Is this model sustainable? (Or will I be stuck begging friends to ‘join my business’?)
Do I have a backup plan if this fails?
Who is actually benefiting here? (If it’s just the guy who recruited me, I’m the product.)
Lesson 2: “Faith Can Move Mountains (or Empty Your Wallet)”
Many MLM leaders use religion to manipulate people. They tell you God wants you to be rich, and if you just keep going, you’ll be blessed.
The Kenyan Version:
How many times have we heard: “Plant a seed and you will reap a harvest” from certain preachers? Or “Sow into this opportunity” while giving your last KSh 2,000 to a ‘wealth coach’?
Real Kenyan Solution:
Faith is not a financial strategy. While optimism is good, hope alone doesn’t pay bills. If someone tells you success requires blind belief and sacrifice, ask yourself:
Who benefits most from this ‘faith’? (Hint: It’s not you.)
What is the risk-to-reward ratio? If it’s all risk and zero reward, run.
Does it require actual skills, or just ‘belief’ in the system? If the answer is ‘just belief’, it’s a scam.
Lesson 3: “Sacrifice Now, Enjoy Later” (The Myth of Future Wealth)
MLMs convince people to trade their present for a future that never comes. The girl in Just Wait Till We Are Diamond gave up her childhood for a dream that wasn’t even hers.
The Kenyan Version:
We are constantly told to sacrifice today for tomorrow—but how much sacrifice is too much? Some of us have spent decades sacrificing, only to wake up and realize the promised ‘good life’ was never coming. The idea that “hard work alone pays” ignores the reality that without the right systems, networks, and opportunities, hard work alone is useless.
Real Kenyan Solution:
Balance Sacrifice & Enjoyment – Saving is great, but don’t put your life on hold waiting for an uncertain future. If all you do is suffer now, when exactly will you enjoy?
Invest in Skills, Not Just Hype – Instead of giving your money to an ‘opportunity,’ invest in actual skills that can make you money whether or not the economy is booming.
Have an Exit Plan – If you’re working hard but see no improvement in 3-5 years, pivot. Don’t stay in suffering for vibes and perseverance.
Lesson 4: “Keep Pushing, You’re Almost There!” (Are You, Though?)
MLMs thrive on keeping people trapped by convincing them they are just one step away from success. “Just sign up two more people,” they say. “Just one more investment.”
The Kenyan Version:
Think about how many times you’ve heard, “Usikate tamaa, your breakthrough is near!” Meanwhile, you’ve been broke for five years and have no savings.
Real Kenyan Solution:
Audit Your Progress – If something isn’t working, don’t keep pushing blindly. Stop, analyze, and change direction if needed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Quit – Quitting isn’t failure. Staying in a broken system is.
Build Multiple Streams of Income – If one thing isn’t working, have a backup hustle. And no, not another ‘business opportunity.’ A real skill-based source of income.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself From the Kenyan MLM Mindset
MLMs aren’t just pyramid schemes—they reflect a larger cultural problem where Kenyans are sold dreams that make no financial sense. Whether it’s fake business gurus, shady investment plans, or blind ‘hard work’ without strategy, the pattern is the same.
So next time someone tells you, “Trust the process”, “Keep pushing”, or “Just wait till we are diamond”—pause, take a deep breath, and ask:
✅ Does this make financial sense? ✅ Am I being sold hope, or real opportunity? ✅ Who is actually benefiting from this?
Because at the end of the day, you deserve real success—not just motivational quotes and empty promises.
We Want to Hear From You!
Have you ever fallen for an MLM or a fake business opportunity?
What’s the worst financial advice you’ve ever received in Kenya?
Drop a comment below or WhatsApp us to share your story!
We've all been sold hope only to end up worse than we were. This piece is one eye opening piece about the real deal that happens on the ground. At the end of the day,life connections are what make you thrive in Kenya
ReplyDeleteThank you Eunice. That is why it is important to stop approaching life through a point of desperation, but from a point of knowledge and to be well informed. You might not have the connections, but what do you have that you can leverage to work for you? We all have something.
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