Before you finish reading this, chances are 8 out of 10 people will recognize themselves in these habits that guarantee poverty. Only 2 out of 10 are doing what it takes to remain prosperous.
The question is: Are you among the lucky 2… or the not-so-lucky 8?
Here are six habits silently chaining millions of Kenyans to poverty — and how you can break free.
1. Focusing Only on Linear Income (Salary) Instead of Passive Income
Most people rely on salaries, allowances, or one-off payments. That’s linear income — money that stops flowing the moment you stop working.
👉 Example: It’s like fetching water with buckets. When you’re too old or tired, the buckets stop coming, and so does the water.
Passive income, on the other hand, is like building a pipeline. It takes effort upfront, but once complete, water flows to you automatically.
- Passive income sources: royalties, dividends, rental income, interest, business profits.
- Linear income sources: salary, wages, allowances.
Lesson: Build pipelines, not buckets.
2. Waiting Forever to Start
Everyone wants success, but few are willing to start.
- You say you don’t have enough capital. Someone else starts with KSh 5,000.
- You say there are no business ideas. Someone else is innovating.
- You complain about problems. Someone else is solving them.
👉 Example: Many Kenyans delay starting side hustles until “next year.” Meanwhile, others are already selling thrift clothes, running MPESA shops, or flipping refurbished phones.
Lesson: Poverty loves people who wait at the starting line.
3. Spending More Every Time You Earn More
Lifestyle inflation is a poverty trap.
- Earn more → Spend more → Stay broke.
- Earn more → Keep expenses constant → Invest the difference.
👉 Example: A Kenyan who earns KSh 50,000 and spends KSh 49,000 is poorer than someone who earns KSh 30,000 but invests KSh 10,000 monthly.
Lesson: Control your expenses. Invest the surplus.
4. Complaining Instead of Committing
Statements like:
- “Life is too expensive.”
- “I’ll never get out of debt.”
- “I don’t earn enough.”
Complaining changes nothing. Commitment does.
👉 Example: Instead of lamenting fuel prices, smart entrepreneurs start boda boda spare parts shops or delivery businesses.
Lesson: Excuses don’t pay bills. Action does.
5. Living Only for Today
In the 1950s, Harvard researchers discovered that time perspective — how far into the future you plan — predicts success.
- Short-term thinkers: spend on rent, luxuries, and lifestyle.
- Long-term thinkers: buy land, insurance, or invest in education.
👉 Example: A parent who buys land in Kitengela today secures wealth for their children in 20 years. A parent who spends the same money on luxury gadgets leaves nothing behind.
Lesson: Sacrifice now for a better tomorrow.
6. Learning But Never Applying
Many people read books, attend seminars, and consume motivational content — but never act.
- Knowledge without action = poverty.
- Action, even imperfect, = progress.
👉 Example: Thousands read about online freelancing, but only a few actually open accounts on Upwork or Fiverr. Guess who makes money?
Lesson: Stop waiting for the “perfect” idea. Start small. Grow bit by bit.
Final Word: Learn By Doing
Most people remain poor not because they lack knowledge, but because they don’t act on it.
Wealth is not just about money. It’s about happiness, well-being, and creating prosperity for others too.
So while you work to escape poverty, remember: start small, start now, and stay consistent.
