When DJ Mo recently surprised his wife, Size 8, with a grand billboard declaration of love, it sparked a public conversation. While some celebrated the romantic gesture, many others questioned the expense, highlighting what that kind of money could do for others, especially young people.
In Kenya, KES 500,000 can be a life-changing amount for a young entrepreneur in university. It offers tangible solutions to real-life pressures, shaping their academic, entrepreneurial, and personal future in a way a single gesture can’t.
1. Seed Capital for a Business
With as little as KES 100,000 to KES 200,000, a student could kickstart a small business. This could be anything from selling thrift clothes and skincare products to running an online content brand.
The rest of the money could be used for branding, digital marketing, and stocking up on inventory.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp Business make it easier for student-owned ventures to find their niche and generate income without needing a physical shop.
2. A Stable Place to Live
For many students in public universities, housing is a major challenge. KES 500,000 could secure a year or more of comfortable, off-campus accommodation. This provides a student with peace of mind and a better environment for learning and running a business.
With average rent in student-heavy areas like Juja, Rongai, or Kisumu ranging from KES 6,000 to KES 15,000 per month, a student could pay for 12 to 18 months upfront—a dream for most.
3. Mobility and Productivity
Students often spend hours stuck in traffic or walking long distances to get to class, their businesses, or side jobs. Using a portion of the money to buy a second-hand scooter or bicycle could significantly improve their time management and safety, especially for young women running small businesses.
In places like Eldoret or Thika, owning a motorbike (which can cost as little as KES 90,000) could even double as a logistics business for extra income.
4. Skill Acquisition and Digital Exposure
Up to KES 50,000 could be used to fund online courses in skills like coding, digital marketing, or social media management. These skills open up opportunities for freelance work online, which is ideal for tech-savvy young people looking to earn extra income in dollars.
With Kenya’s rising youth unemployment, this approach is becoming more viable than waiting on traditional job paths.
5. A Financial Safety Net
A portion of the money could be saved in a money market fund, a SACCO, or a digital savings tool. Having KES 100,000 in reserve is a serious power move for any student, providing a safety net for medical emergencies, academic delays, or family issues. It’s a way to plan for the unexpected and build a foundation for the future.
by yuletide tina
