KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

  “Alinitoa kwa shimo.” “Without her, I’d still be unemployed.” “He gave me a chance when no one else would.” These are the silent contracts many Kenyan employees sign — not with ink, but with emotion. Loyalty. Guilt. A debt of gratitude that never expires. It starts innocently. You join a small business or NGO. Maybe the pay is modest, but the opportunity feels heaven-sent. The founder seems visionary, kind even. They say, “We’re like family here.” And you believe them. You stay late. You sacrifice weekends. You take on roles that aren’t yours — because how can you not help? After all, they gave you a chance . You want to be part of the story. The vision. The mission. So you give your time. Your peace. Your boundaries. But slowly, something shifts. You notice raises are rare. Promotions are vague. Financial discussions are avoided or deflected. You realize that while you’ve tied your loyalty to the person who “gave you a chance,” they’ve tied their loyalty to the profit ma...

Never Answering Calls – You set up a business, print posters, open social media pages, and even get a website. But when potential customers call, your phone is either off or ringing endlessly. If you do pick up, it's with a grumpy "Nani?" as if we just disturbed your nap. Customers are not detectives; they will not chase you down. Pick up the phone! Social Media Pages and Websites That Are Never Updated – If your last Instagram post was in 2022 and your website still lists products you no longer sell, then why do you have them? Social media is free advertising. Update your pages, post about your products, and at the very least, put your business hours and correct contact information. Never Getting Back to Potential Customers or Investors – Kenyans love the phrase "Ntakupigia baadaye" (I'll call you later). That later never comes. If a customer asks for a quotation, give it promptly. If an investor shows interest, follow up. Business doesn’t wait for your ...