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...
Everyone thinks they can run a better business than their boss—until they try. Before I ventured into business, I worked in the hospitality industry, and let me tell you, that experience was a wake-up call. If you're fresh out of school and dreaming of starting a business, do yourself a favor—get a job first. Not only will you gain industry insights, but you'll also realize that running a business is a whole different beast. Starting a business in Kenya fresh out of school is like jumping into a pool, only to realize there’s no water. Everyone tells you, “Just start something! Be your own boss!” What they don’t tell you is that being your own boss often means being your own accountant, marketer, delivery person, customer service rep, and unpaid intern—all while dealing with friends who think they’re doing you a favor by buying your products at a discount. If you’re dreaming of starting a business in Kenya straight out of school, fueled by optimism and motivational TikTok's,...