Matatus are a pain in the ass. They are justified to strike because of fuel hikes. But generally we need a better public-owned or PPP transport system. These matatus should gradually be retired, the sector is disorganized, chaotic, smelly, unsafe, lung-killing, and stressful.
Kenya seriously needs a modern, organized mass transit system.
We are dragging our economy and this is not sustainable!
I have hung around many Kenyans, especially when I used to have a shop at a busy stage in Nairobi...just after high school, first term ya Kibaki. I met so many people from the so-called “normal Kenyan.” Most of them had informal businesses.
That’s where I started noticing what I’d call a poverty mindset...not just lack of money, but how people explain their situation and what they believe is possible.
Men thought other men were rich because they stole from the government etc. Women had a religious angle.
Later, after I left for other things, I would often visit them. They would complain about the same things or just say that they are praying. That hope kept them alive, but you could tell they had resigned to fate, as they don’t know any better. Their hope is that their kids will be better.
Religious leaders, cults and politicians are milking this. It’s a shame.
(Millennial) I have two friends who used to live large...pombe, anasa, na wanawake (describes it better) especially at their peak. One would even leave his wife and kids for weeks just to go have fun at rallies, nyege nyege, and, the like.
I don’t drink. I still go out...tea, dancing, stories. Most of my money went into business. Some failed, others worked. One guy once told me, “Afadhali ungekuwa unakunywa…you have lost a lot of money”as if I was missing out. But the truth is, those lessons were important.
Now things are stable , I am okay. (I am just reflecting.)
I recently met my two friends. Both were complaining about Ruto and the state of things. One’s wife left. The other now depends on his wife...at least he built a house, after pushing him so much, but he did it late, when things were already going downhill. At his peak, he had money, he could have built an estate.
Lesson?
Life gives you chances, sometimes even after you fall. But sometimes the world moves on. Your skills may no longer be needed, or your body may not perform the same way.
For young guys... strike a balance. You may not become financially rich early, but you’re still rich if you build the right skills, discipline, character, and mindset. That’s what will eventually make you truly rich.
Cultivate that.
My dad used to do something interesting with his commercial properties. Instead of monthly rent, he’d offer tenants a deal... pay for the whole year upfront, but only the equivalent of 10 months instead of 12.
It worked really well for both sides. I was once a tenant of his property...I paid him lol...we the tenants saved money, and he’d get a lump sum that helped him..1. Pay school fees for the year 2. Do repairs and repainting 3. Clear land rates and other expenses all at once.
Fast forward to me..I tried the same idea with my landlord. I asked if I could pay 8 months’ worth to cover 12 months, and surprisingly, he agreed. This is now the third time I’ve done it.
Honestly, sometimes I even forget I pay rent 😄
Of course, it needs planning and discipline, but if you can raise the lump sum, it’s a win-win. Landlords like the security, and you get a solid discount.
Might be worth trying with your landlord!
Don’t marry a broke person. More often,a brokie will lower their standards for survival...they want a place to sleep and eat, they will say they love you, and they may actually think so.
The truth is they may never love you outside the comfort you provide...some may never be financially stable because they don't have such skills...and could be your downfall...they might create a circus out of your life.
Weigh the risk...my experience is if they can stand on their feet and survive on their own, then they can flourish with you. Otherwise, you will regret it when you realize they’ve sucked your potential.