For many young Kenyans, moving to Nairobi is seen as the beginning of a better life. The city promises jobs, opportunities, and a chance to “make it.”
But for thousands earning modest salaries, the dream is slowly turning into a daily struggle for survival.
A worker earning Sh24,000 per month may appear employed and stable from the outside, but behind the scenes, the reality can be painful.
Rent, transport, food, electricity, and mobile loans consume nearly every coin before the month even begins. Many are now asking themselves a difficult question: is staying in Nairobi still worth it, or is it time to return to the village?
The rising cost of living in the city has pushed many people to the edge. Reports show that rent, transport, and food now take up most of workers’ salaries, leaving little or nothing for savings or emergencies.
Some workers even admit they survive only through borrowing, delaying bills, or relying on friends and relatives.
For someone earning Sh24,000, the monthly budget is often tight from the first day. A bedsitter in many parts of Nairobi can cost between Sh6,000 and Sh10,000.
Transport to work may take another Sh3,000 to Sh5,000 monthly. Food prices continue to rise, while electricity tokens and water bills add more pressure. By the middle of the month, many people are already broke.
Some Kenyans online say life in Nairobi has become emotionally exhausting. One Reddit user shared that despite trying hard in the city, nothing was working out, forcing him to move back to the village where he started farming and doing casual work as he searched for new opportunities.
Others say people are secretly leaving Nairobi because the city no longer matches their salaries.
For many, returning to the village feels like accepting defeat. Some fear being judged by relatives and friends who once celebrated them for moving to Nairobi.
Others worry about losing career opportunities, social life, and the excitement that comes with city living.
But financial experts argue that sometimes stepping away from the city can help someone reset their life. Living in rural areas is often cheaper because rent is lower, food can come from family farms, and transport costs are manageable.
A person earning the same Sh24,000 may actually live more comfortably in the village or a small town than in Nairobi.
Still, not everyone should rush to leave the city. Nairobi continues to offer opportunities that may not exist upcountry.
The challenge is knowing whether your current income can realistically support the lifestyle you are living.
Some people survive in Nairobi by making major sacrifices. They share houses, avoid expensive entertainment, cook at home, walk long distances, or take side hustles after work.
Others choose cheaper estates far from the city centre to reduce rent. But even with strict budgeting, many low-income earners still feel trapped.
Social pressure also plays a role. Nairobi has a culture of appearances where many people feel forced to look successful even when struggling financially.
One online discussion blamed the pressure to maintain a flashy lifestyle for worsening people’s financial stress.
In the end, the question is not whether going back to the village is shameful. The real question is whether staying in Nairobi is helping you grow or simply keeping you stuck in survival mode.
Sometimes moving back home can offer peace, lower expenses, and a chance to rebuild financially. For others, remaining in Nairobi and finding extra income may still be the better option.
But one thing is becoming clear: earning Sh24,000 in Nairobi today is no longer enough for the comfortable life many once imagined.
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