KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

There is a dangerous gospel being preached across Kenya — not always from pulpits, but from the streets, the offices, and the minds of many who consider themselves devout Christians. It is a gospel that says: if you are wealthy, God must be pleased with you. If you are poor, you must be doing something wrong. If you’re struggling, you must lack faith. And if you’re rich, it’s because God is smiling down on your choices. This is the unholy reward — the lie that material wealth is a measure of spiritual approval. It is a pandemic of belief. You hear it in testimonies that focus less on transformation of character and more on bank balances. You see it in social media posts that equate Range Rovers with righteousness. You encounter it in churches where the wealthy sit in the front and the poor are advised to “sow seeds” they cannot afford — just to get God’s attention. “Blessed” — but What Does That Mean? In Kenya today, the word “blessed” is often synonymous with “rich.” A new car? “I...

Religion plays a massive role in Kenya. It shapes our families, businesses, and even government policies. But let’s be honest—much of what we’ve been sold in the name of faith is outright harmful. The lies are so deeply entrenched that many Kenyans live in unnecessary suffering while believing they are being ‘good Christians.’ At the same time, there are powerful religious truths—hidden gems—that could actually improve our society if we paid attention to them. Here’s a brutally honest look at the religious myths holding us back and the solutions that could finally move us forward. Lie #1: The More You Suffer, the Closer You Are to God Many Kenyans have been conditioned to believe that poverty, struggle, and suffering somehow bring them closer to God. Churches romanticize hardship with statements like “your blessing is on the way” or “suffering is a test of faith.” As a result, people tolerate abusive jobs, stay in toxic relationships, and avoid seeking prosperity because they believe...

Religion is a powerful force in Kenya. It shapes our values, our work ethic, and even our politics. But somewhere along the way, we’ve been fed a twisted version of faith—one that glorifies suffering, discourages critical thinking, and keeps people broke. Let’s talk about how religion, especially in business, has been misused to keep us poor and stupid, and what we can actually do about it. The Prosperity Gospel Scam: Pray, Pay, Prosper? You’ve probably seen it: pastors rolling in brand-new SUVs, wearing designer suits, while their congregants walk home barefoot after giving their last KES 200 to “plant a seed.” The prosperity gospel tells people that if they tithe more, God will bless them financially. Yet, the only ones getting rich are the pastors. Meanwhile, the faithful remain in financial struggle, waiting for miracles instead of making smart money moves. The Reality: Giving 10% of your income to a church while struggling to pay rent won’t make you rich. God does not operate like...