KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

Most Kenyans know someone who has been scammed. A fake job abroad. A non-existent tender. A rogue Sacco. A phony pastor. A “friend” who knew just the right words. Some lose KES 2,000 . Some lose KES 2 million . But all of them lose something far deeper than money — they lose a part of themselves. Let’s talk about what happens when you’re the one who got played. Who Gets Targeted? Scammers don’t just pick anyone. They pick: The hustler who’s tired. Someone trying everything and just looking for a break. The helper. That kind-hearted parent, uncle, or older sibling who wants to help others get ahead. The unemployed graduate. Smart, skilled, and desperate for dignity. The dreamer. Someone who has waited too long for life to make sense and now just wants to feel something move . The overachiever under pressure. That person who can’t afford to “fail” in the eyes of family and society. Scammers are trained psychologists. They look for soft spots — then sell the fant...

In Kenya, owning a car is often seen as a major milestone—a sign that one has “made it.” But is a car truly a necessity, or is it sometimes a financial burden disguised as progress? With rising fuel costs, expensive maintenance, and the reality of Nairobi’s notorious traffic, does car ownership always make sense? Let’s break it down with real numbers and scenarios. When Owning a Car Makes Sense Your Commute is Expensive or Inconvenient If you spend more than KES 20,000 per month on transport due to long commutes or unreliable matatu routes, owning a car might actually save you money. Professionals working in industrial areas, EPZs, or locations with limited public transport options may benefit from a car. Your Work Requires It If your job involves frequent travel (sales, medical reps, site visits), a car may be necessary to maintain efficiency. Business owners transporting goods regularly may find a car (or even a small van) more cost-effective than hiring transport services. You Have ...

Loans have become a default path to financial progress in Kenya. Many believe you cannot own a home, buy a car, or expand a business without taking on debt. But what if that isn’t true? What if you could achieve all this using only the money you already have? Let’s break down practical, debt-free ways to build wealth and secure your financial future in Kenya. 1. Business Expansion: Why More Kenyans Should Consider Partnerships Most Kenyans think that the only way to expand a business is by taking a loan, but partnerships are an overlooked alternative. There are many Kenyans sitting on savings in banks or M-Pesa wallets with no clear idea of what to do with their money. Instead of taking loans, business owners can seek silent partners who provide capital while the active partner runs the business. Why Partnerships Make Sense A silent partner provides funds without the burden of loan repayments. Both parties share profits based on clear, pre-agreed terms. The business benefits from addit...

Have you ever walked through different parts of Kenya and wondered how some of these tiny, almost hidden businesses survive? You pass by a cramped shop selling second-hand clothes, plastic buckets, hangers, and random jewelry. You pause for a second and ask yourself—who is actually buying all this? How is this business making money? Is it money laundering, or are these genuine businesses barely getting by in ways we don’t understand? I ask myself these same questions all the time. Earlier this year, I got an inside look. I was part of a project that involved collecting data on small businesses across Kenya—kiosks, market stalls, tailors, salons, fruit vendors, milk sellers, repair shops, cybers… all the businesses that make up the backbone of our economy. What I found was both eye-opening and brutally honest. The Reality Behind the Business Dream We love to romanticize entrepreneurship. Motivational speakers will tell you that employment is slavery and that starting your own business i...