KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

In a country where the economy is as uneven as the Nairobi skyline—shiny towers next to aging flats—finding a personal money philosophy isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, how you interact with money shapes everything from your peace of mind to your future options. This article explores how to find your money philosophy through real Kenyan examples, the trade-offs involved, and how this philosophy can (and should) evolve over time. What Is a Money Philosophy—and Why Does It Matter? A money philosophy is your deeply personal belief about the role of money in your life. It answers the question: what is money for, to me? For some, money means safety—never going hungry again. For others, it’s about options, power, peace, or pleasure. Some want status, others want legacy. And many people, unknowingly, live out philosophies shaped by fear, scarcity, or childhood patterns. A money philosophy is not a budget. It’s not a plan. It’s the emotional and ps...

In Kenya, rest can feel like a distant luxury. We live in a society where every move, every decision, and every shilling spent is driven by the fear of uncertainty. Rest is not always a reward for hard work; sometimes, it feels like a risk. The underlying anxiety that if we stop, even just for a moment, we might lose everything can overshadow our ability to truly pause. For many, rest is not a given, but a gamble. In a country where nothing is guaranteed, and survival often means holding on by the thinnest thread, finding peace of mind seems like a far-off dream. Even with the strides some people make toward stability, the constant tug-of-war between short-term pleasures and long-term security keeps them from truly feeling secure enough to rest. The Emotional Toll of Constant Preparation Think about a young woman who has scrimped and saved to buy a boda to supplement her income. But instead of investing in that bike, she takes on the responsibility of paying her younger siblings’ schoo...

In Kenya, car ownership is often seen as a key milestone of success. When your peers, friends, and family members are all driving while you continue using matatus, buses, or boda bodas, it can bring about feelings of inadequacy, frustration, or even embarrassment. Public transport is undeniably cheaper, but it comes with its own stressors—unpredictable schedules, overcrowding, and safety concerns. How does one navigate this choice in their 30s, 40s, and 50s without feeling left behind? The Financial Reality vs. Social Pressure Choosing public transport over a car is often a financially wise decision, especially when considering the high costs of car ownership. However, there is an emotional and social weight that comes with it: Status and Perception: In many circles, having a car is equated with financial stability and progress. Convenience vs. Cost: Matatus can be unreliable, while a personal car offers flexibility and comfort. Peer Pressure: When friends organize trips or events, ...

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 ...

If there’s one guarantee in life, it’s that it will end. Yet, for most of us, that truth is easy to ignore. We get caught up in the middle part—the grind, the responsibilities, the pursuit of success—and forget that, one day, it will all come to a close. Think about the beginning of life. When expectant parents are preparing for a child, they do everything possible to create the perfect start—buying clothes, setting up a home, planning for education, ensuring the child enters the world in the best way possible. They do this because they understand that how it begins shapes the rest of the child’s life . In the same way, how it all ends shapes what comes after for those left behind —our children, our loved ones, our community. Just as a strong start gives a child the best chance at life, a thoughtful, intentional ending leaves behind peace, dignity, and a meaningful legacy. It matters how this ends—not just life itself, but every chapter, every relationship, every season. Because how we...

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 ...