KenyaOnAShoeString: Real Advice for Real Kenyans

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...

If you’ve ever been invited to a ‘business opportunity’ meeting at Java by an overly enthusiastic friend promising financial freedom, congratulations! You’ve had a brush with Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), the modern-day version of being sold a dream wrapped in ‘hard work’ and Bible verses. The book Just Wait Till We Are Diamond details the harrowing journey of a child being groomed into MLM life, sacrificing normalcy, relationships, and childhood in pursuit of a rank that’s just one more motivational meeting away. Sounds familiar? It should. Because as Kenyans, we’ve been fed similar illusions of success , not just by MLMs, but by society, motivational speakers, and even our own culture of blind hustle. Let’s unpack this and find real, Kenyan solutions that work. Lesson 1: “Your Success Is in Your Hands” (But Is It, Though?) One of the biggest MLM tactics is making you believe that success is 100% within your control . If you fail, it’s because you didn’t work hard enough —not because ...

If you've ever listened to those "financial gurus" on YouTube or read self-help books by some big-shot American entrepreneur, you've probably come across all sorts of money advice that sounds smart—but makes absolutely zero sense in Kenya. If you’ve ever tried to implement this advice, you know it ends in premium tears. So, let’s break down the worst of these myths, why they don’t work here, and what actually makes sense for us, hapa Kenya. 1. "Save 6 Months’ Worth of Expenses Before Quitting Your Job" Why It’s Nonsense in Kenya: Let’s be honest, even saving one month’s expenses is a miracle for most Kenyans. The cost of living is skyrocketing, your salary is barely enough, and unexpected expenses (hospital bills, school fees, black tax) will finish your savings faster than you can say hustler fund. What Actually Works: Instead of waiting until you have a mythical six-month cushion, start building multiple income streams while still employed . Even a small s...

Owning a home is a big dream for many Kenyans, but somewhere along the way, practicality has been thrown out the window. Too many people, driven by childhood aspirations or societal expectations, are constructing massive houses only to end up living like misers within them. Let’s break down why this trend makes little sense and what smarter, more sustainable homeownership looks like. The Harsh Reality of Owning a Big House in Kenya Many Kenyans, especially those who grew up in humble backgrounds, grew up being told to “dream big.” Unfortunately, this has translated into building unnecessarily large houses, often with rooms that remain unused, multiple verandahs gathering dust, and massive balconies that no one actually sits on. These houses cost millions to build, yet within a few years, the owners are struggling to maintain them, regretting their choices as they pour more money into renovations. If you need proof, just look at how many old houses in Nairobi remain unsold. No one wants...

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...

Let’s be real: the 50/20/30 budgeting rule that financial gurus preach does not work in Kenya. Not when salaries are eaten alive by crazy living costs, family obligations, and the constant money-sucking emergencies that pop up like clockwork. If you think you can just allocate 50% of your income to needs, 20% to savings, and 30% to wants, you must be living in an alternate universe where unga is free, landlords take exposure as rent, and blackouts are just a myth. The Reality of Most Kenyan Earners Imagine earning KES 60,000 before taxes and deductions. That number looks good on paper, but let’s break it down: Tax & Deductions: Say goodbye to around KES 15,000 for NHIF, SHIF, Housing Levy and PAYE. Net Salary: You now have KES 45,000 to play with. Rent: A decent one-bedroom in a reasonable area costs KES 15,000–20,000. Transport: If you work in Westlands and live somewhere "affordable" like Rongai or Kitengela, your daily commute could cost you KES 400. That’s KES 8,0...