The Price of a Bargain: Why “It’s Not a Bargain If You Don’t Need It” Should Be Every Kenyan’s Mantra

“It’s not a bargain if you don’t need it.”

This phrase has quietly become my compass whenever a flashy deal or discount catches my eye. It’s simple, but powerful. And in a world that constantly pushes us to buy more, grab every offer, and never miss a sale, it’s the question we all need to ask ourselves.

Walk into any Kenyan supermarket like Quickmart or Naivas on discount day, and you’ll see a battlefield of bargains. Buy-one-get-one-free offers, 50% discounts, and flash sales everywhere. Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn tempt you with their famous “Wacky Wednesday” deals — two meals for the price of one or ridiculously low prices on combos that almost feel too good to be true.

But are they really bargains? Or just clever traps?

Take a moment and think: How often do you finish both pizzas from that deal, especially if you’re eating alone? How many times have you bought plastic gadgets or trinkets from shops like Miniso or China Square because they were “cheap,” only to realize later that they clutter your home or simply don’t serve a real purpose?

The psychology behind sales and discounts is no accident. Retailers, marketers, and social media influencers understand our vulnerabilities — our fear of missing out, our excitement over “saving” money, and the urge to stockpile “just in case.” Influencers like Shiko wa Hii Style show you how many socks or kitchen gadgets you can buy during a sale, making it seem like the ultimate win. But how many of those socks will actually get worn? How many pans do you really need in a kitchen that already functions well?

Here’s an interesting observation: the places where you find the most aggressive deals aren’t your local fresh food markets or nyama choma spots. Walk into an open-air market selling fresh ugali, vegetables, and meat, and you won’t see “buy one get one free” signs. You won’t find discounts on fresh Sukuma wiki or the daily eggs you buy from your neighborhood vendor. Why? Because fresh, essential foods are bought because people need them — they don’t need to be pushed with flashy offers.

Instead, it’s the fast food joints and processed foods that flood the discount scene. It’s these “conveniences” and “extras” that marketers push hard — encouraging overconsumption, clutter, and impulsive spending.

The same pattern emerges in housing and living arrangements. Shared spaces like Mosaic Living in Westlands, Parklands, advertise “all inclusive” rooms going for between KES15,000 and KES 25,000 a month. On paper, this looks like a steal. You don’t have to buy furniture, electronics, or worry about utilities — just bring your suitcase and settle in.

But what these bargains hide is the cramped reality of sharing small spaces with three or more strangers. Privacy is scarce, noise is constant, and the comfort of your own home feels compromised. That “bargain” rent might save you cash, but it can cost you peace of mind, rest, and your personal space — priceless things that no discount can buy back.

This theme plays out in so many areas of life. Meal bundles at fast food places nudge us toward overeating. Discount shops push cheap plastic clutter that quickly becomes trash. Renting “cheap” rooms often costs more in time, stress, and lost quality of life than the rent savings would suggest.

So, what’s the deeper lesson? Why does cheap often feel expensive in the long run? Because bargains aren’t just about price — they’re about value, fit, and impact on your life. A true bargain serves you. A false bargain steals from you — your time, your peace, your money, your space.

Before you rush to grab the next deal, pause and reflect:

• Would I buy or accept this if it weren’t discounted or hyped?

• Do I genuinely need it, or am I caught in a moment of excitement or pressure?

• Will this add lasting value to my life, or will it fade into clutter or regret?

• What hidden costs — in time, energy, peace, or relationships — am I ignoring?

• Am I rushing because I fear missing out while others are buying?

Every Kenyan deserves to have this mantra close — because in a culture rich with hustle and heart, knowing when to say no is just as valuable as knowing when to say yes.

Sometimes, the best bargain isn’t what’s on sale — it’s the peace that comes with mindful choices.