KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

What if I told you your salary may never rise beyond KES 60,000 , no matter how many years you work, how many certificates you collect, or how many “ networking ” events you attend? What if your dream job already has a hard glass ceiling — and you’ve already bumped your head against it without realizing? We were raised to believe in perpetual growth. That with time, experience, and effort, you will naturally move to “better things.” But in Kenya today, in 2025, that promise often collapses. Your job title might grow fancier, your responsibilities heavier, but the pay often plateaus. So here’s the uncomfortable question: what if this is it?  What if your role is capped, your company won’t ever pay more, and no external forces are coming to rescue you? The Illusion of More We have been conditioned to chase “more.” More certificates. More diplomas. More masterclasses. We are told that the right piece of paper or the right event will finally unlock the door. But how many people d...

I am not a HR professional, but sitting in on interviews recently opened my eyes to truths about the Kenyan job market that nobody prepares you for. From experienced candidates struggling to negotiate, to graduates with shiny degrees being ignored, the gap between what we think matters and what actually matters is sobering. Here are 12 rarely spoken lessons I wish every job seeker in Kenya would internalize. 1. Years of Experience Don’t Equal Bargaining Power I watched candidates with over 10 years of work experience accept salaries barely higher than entry-level. In Kenya, longevity in a role does not guarantee leverage. Employers will pay only what the market allows, not what your CV claims. If your skills aren’t directly tied to revenue, cost-saving, or a rare technical expertise, years alone won’t buy you influence. 2. Not All Abroad Experience is Equal We assume that working abroad gives you prestige back home. But I saw returnees from the Middle East who had spent years th...

Many Kenyans are caught in the cycle of low wages, high expenses, and family obligations that never seem to end. Whether you’re a waiter, waitress, cook, shamba boy, security guard, housekeeper, boda boda rider, or driver, the reality is that making a comfortable living in Kenya on a low salary is an uphill battle. But while the system may not be in your favor, there are practical ways to navigate these challenges and build a better future. Here’s how: 1. Fair Wages: How to Ask for More Without Getting Fired Research industry pay standards before accepting a job. Talk to colleagues and check online groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for a pay raise if your responsibilities increase. Extra duties should come with extra pay! If your employer claims they can’t raise your salary, negotiate for other benefits like meals, transport allowances, or off days. Learn a critical skill that makes you indispensable. If you’re a cook, become the only one who can make the most requested dish. If you’re a ...