Kenyan singer and businesswoman Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has seemingly changed her approach to female friendships, saying she is no longer interested in constantly recruiting new “besties.”
In a candid Facebook post, Akothee humorously compared making friends to running an HR department, questioning why grown women are still actively searching for new close friends.
“Girl, STOP RECRUITING NEW FEMALE FRIENDS LIKE YOU’RE RUNNING HR!” she wrote.
The entrepreneur suggested that some women carry unresolved issues into adulthood, including jealousy, competition and past trauma, which can eventually affect their friendships.
Akothee on the downside of female friendships
Akothee also reflected on how some friendships can turn sour, particularly when people fall out after sharing deeply personal information with each other.
She pointed to screenshots, secrets and private voice notes as some of the things that can allegedly surface when friendships collapse.
“Have you seen how some female friendships end?” she asked, joking that everything shared in confidence can suddenly become “Exhibit A in the High Court of Friendship Breakups.”
Her comments appeared to highlight the importance of being careful about what one shares with people, even those considered close friends.
Rather than encouraging women to completely isolate themselves, however, Akothee urged them to be more intentional about the environments in which they meet and build relationships.
‘Attend conferences and network’
The businesswoman encouraged women to attend conferences, network and enter spaces where conversations revolve around business, investments, contracts, opportunities and personal development.
For Akothee, meaningful relationships should create room for people to learn, grow and benefit from opportunities together.
She gave an example of the kind of conversation she would prefer to have with a female friend.
“Girl, I found an opportunity—let’s eat,” she wrote.
She contrasted that with conversations dominated by gossip about relationships, shopping and other people’s marital problems.
According to Akothee, friendships that consistently revolve around such discussions should be reconsidered.
‘Business partnerships only’
Akothee ended her message with another humorous declaration, suggesting that her priorities have shifted from collecting friends to building productive relationships.
“My friendship department is no longer recruiting. Business partnerships only,” she declared.
Her post has sparked a conversation about the kind of friendships women cultivate as they grow older, particularly relationships built around shared goals, support and opportunities.
Akothee has frequently used her social media platforms to share personal reflections, business lessons and messages about overcoming difficult experiences.
Her latest message appears to encourage women to be more intentional about their social circles and to seek relationships that contribute positively to their personal and professional growth.
For Akothee, the message is simple: less gossip, more opportunities, more growth and more purpose.
Turn Your Pain Into Purpose.
