The Office of the Auditor General is almost the only thing working in Kenya. Their work, though commendable, their findings are really quite sad.
They published their report on the FY 21/22, 22/23. Here is a THREAD of the 8 worst corruption findings of the reports:
We had a feeling that the DP’s impeachment was being used as a distraction for the gov't to push through controversial policies. And true to our Kenyan instincts, it WAS a distraction.
Here’s what has happened, so far, while we've been distracted:
For everyone earning a salary, you might want to read this as it is soon to heavily affect your paycheck. And that is not the worst part; its operation is very vulnerable to corruption.
Let’s discuss the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF):
When you start reaching your mid-20s and beyond, adulthood can creep in real quick and trap us in a lifetime rat race with finances: living on your own, getting a job or starting a business, and maybe even beginning a family. Here are 6 very important money skills.
2. The audit revealed that Nairobi City County irregularly transferred Sh9.3 billion through KRA bank accounts over 13 months, from September 15, 2022, to June 2023, without a valid agreement.
1. All NHIF members were subscribed to SHA without their consent. Meanwhile, patients in Kenya are still paying out of pocket for healthcare, with no clear process for refunds.
“Read good books because you will never be able to meet and spend uninterrupted time with the thoughts of so many brilliant and unique people”
- Mark Manson
In the comments, share what good book we should all read.
According to Psychologists, there are four types of Intelligence:
1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
2. Emotional Quotient (EQ)
3. Social Quotient (SQ)
4. Adversity Quotient (AQ)
A THREAD
4. The audit revealed that Kenyan oil marketers overcharged customers by Sh5.4 billion in unjustified delay fees between April 2021 and June 2022, with Sh3.2 billion added to pump prices and Sh2.2 billion for "administrative costs".
2. The government announced plans to convert mobile money paybill and till number accounts into Electronic Tax Registers (ETRs) by 25th December this year, in an effort to ‘combat tax evasion.’
6. The audit revealed that as of June 30, 2023, a supplier delivered 4M smart cards and received payments totaling Sh1.1B. However, only 1.4M cards were printed over the past six years, leaving 2.6M cards unused in NTSA’s possession, valued at Sh788M.
3. Energy CS, Opiyo Wandayi, announced the signing of a KETRACO-ADANI KES 95.7 billion, 30-year deal. Adani Energy Solutions will now manage the transmission line for the next 30 years.
If you are a Kenyan, then you’ve definitely heard the phrase, ‘Chapter 6 of the Constitution’ However, it’s no secret, most of us don’t know what it entails.
Today I’ll highlight 7 Chapter 6 Laws you probably did not know exist:
1. 22% of CEOs implemented job cuts in the first quarter of 2024.
2. Another 20% of CEOs anticipate even more job cuts in the second quarter of 2024.
3. 34% of CEOs also witnessed their sales drop in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023.
5. Kamau Thugge, the CBK Governor, announced that the country is expecting yet another loan amounting to KES 254 billion to ‘address our forex reserves deficit’ before the end of the year.
4. The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's decision that sentenced Sirisia MP John Waluke to 67 years in prison or a fine of KES 1 billion over a maize importation scam.
If you want to make the most of your income, FRUGALITY has to be a part of you. A frugal person is basically someone that knows the value of their time, happiness and overall well-being and prioritizes their spending accordingly. FRUGALITY is not being CHEAP, let me explain. 🧵
“If you get in the wrong train, be sure to get off at the first stop. The more you stay on the more expensive the return trip is going to be”
*Your wrong train could be that career, that relationship, that investment, or that lifestyle.
- Unknown
These figures are not just numbers but they represent real people and livelihoods. It is a reminder of how volatile the Kenyan job market can be, with some economists voicing concerns that we are heading towards a challenging period for the Kenyan economy.
Now more than ever, it's time for employees to upskill to make themselves more valuable to their current or future employers. In a landscape where job security can no longer be taken for granted, enhancing one’s skill set can provide a much-needed edge.
Why Does the Gov't Sell Bonds to the Public When They Can Just Print Money?
As simple as this question sounds, it's surprising that not many can answer factually. Let me try to break down; the relationship between gov't/T-bonds, interest rates, money printing, and inflation.
The
@FordFoundation
was recently chosen by the Kenyan gov’t to bear blame as they refused to believe/admit their incompetencies ‘sponsored’ protests.
I researched the Ford Foundation and what I found was a very interesting philanthropic institution that I’d like to talk about:
WHEN – and not IF – we fix Kenya, we need to look into domestic debt as the solution to the debt problem. When we collectively develop the habit of saving through the financial institutions in the country, we will be steering us to prosperity as Japan did:🧵
The Adani-JKIA deal, which has caused a standstill at our airport, is a product of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Let’s take a moment to understand what PPPs are:🧵
"Why is my MMF giving 11% returns when most are at 15% and up, and gov't bonds are offering interest rates of between 16 - 18%?"
"Should I shift MMFs?"
I've received such questions a lot, and I finally have an answer. The short answer is market adaptability. But let me explain:
Meta (Instagram and Facebook) monetization is coming to Nigeria and Kenya in June 2024. Here's what you need to know if you're looking to benefit from it. 🧵
When you approach 22+ and start earning money or have the potential to earn money, there are mindsets that you need to drop; otherwise, they will hold back your financial growth.
Here are 9 mindsets to get rid of:
Murphy’s Law, which states that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, is the reason why having a buffer in case of an emergency is not only good for peace of mind but also tends to keep those emergencies 'away'. I'd like to share some knowledge about Emergency Funds today.
In case you have not heard, there has been introduction of Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024. That has VERY CONTROVERSIAL proposals.
Here are 8 key proposals from the Bill:
#CivicEducationToTheMasses
But the issue is not just these large amounts; the issue is paying so much to actually receive nothing, as we have witnessed with NHIF. Recently, an audit on NHIF revealed a 368M variance between claims paid and hospital bills. When asked, NHIF attributed this to ‘typing errors.’
1. Creating a basic budget.
This cliché tip is overlooked by so many, but a budget is very important to stop you from LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS, which is the single most common primary cause of financial insecurity.
Lately, there has been a discussion around women's maternal health in Kenya. Did you know there's a bill in parliament that seeks to extend maternity leave by adding three more months?
Here's how maternity leave in different countries in the world looks like.🧵🧵🧵
Consistency creates events others call "luck". Nothing increases your surface area for luck like showing up daily.
If you don't show up you might miss your opportunity.
- Jon Brosio
I listened to a video the other day that explained an interesting concept: The 4 Levels of Value. Turns out, the income you earn and the impact you make are based on the level of value you provide. These are the levels:
Quote Of The Week
"The day you stop investing in yourself is the day your anxiety makes a comeback. Keep training, learning, challenging yourself with difficult goals: it's also the secret of peace of mind."
Two weeks ago, the first edition of Fiscally Fit was launched by
@ChikiKuruka
and myself. The program aims to create opportunities for women to elevate their finances, fitness, and wellness, as well as network with other brilliant women. 1/3
People judge you based on where you are at currently, not what you could become eventually. Don't let commentsstop you from trying. Focus on getting better. Someone else's analysis of your current position doesn't tell you anything about your current potential.
- James Clear
"Spend less than you earn and build wealth. Spend more than you earn, and you become poor."
Mastering the skill of sticking to your budget is essential to achieving financial security. Today, we'll move beyond theory and dive into practical tips for budgeting.
I've spent the past week going through the Finance Bill 2024, and the Motor Vehicle Tax, while concerning, seems to be a mere distraction compared to other deeper issues.
Here are 10 concerning but less known tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2024🧵
I can get distracted really easily while at work. One minute i’m writing a script, the next I’m shooting content and the script gets done at the end of the day 🤦🏽♀ In my research to try and find ways to help my situation, I encountered the ‘Ivy Lee Method.' A THREAD.
In his book, "Psychology of Money," Morgan Housel talks about a concept that he believes anyone trying to be happy in life should understand. He calls it the "Man in The Car Paradox." For those not familiar with it, let me explain. A SHORT THREAD.
If you want to be rich, then be kind.
It’s hard to create wealth unless you work well with others, and it's hard to work well with others if you are unlikable.
Even if you can build wealth without kindness, rich jerks end up poor in friendship.
~ James Clear
“It will take days” “It will take months” “It will take years”
Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it.
The time will pass anyways.
- Unknown
Since SHIF is now an Act, the options for it to be scrapped or at least reviewed lie with our courts. In my opinion, the solution to the corruption and ineffectiveness of NHIF is not a new fund; the government needs to fix NHIF.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
No one can accurately predict the future, but we all think we can. People’s advice is based on their fears, experiences, prejudices, and at the end of the day, their advice is just that: it’s theirs, not yours. YOU and NOW are a unique occurrence.
~Mark Manson
GIVEAWAY ALERT✨
'The Psychology of Money' is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and well-being. The following are my key lessons from the book.🧵
2. Calculating your savings rate.
Once you have a budget and an understanding of your income and expenses, you can calculate your potential savings rate: subtract expenses from the total monthly income to understand the maximum you could save.
Pink Tax is the phenomenon where products marketed towards women are priced higher than similar products marketed towards men. It refers to the discriminatory pricing that inflates the cost of goods targeted at women, affecting their buying power and financial well-being.
Kenya is ranked third most sustainable economy in Africa by UNEP, which is impressive. However, we can all work towards making it even better by ensuring that Kenya's economy continues to thrive in a sustainable manner. Here are a few ways that you, can contribute to this effort.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.
- Michelle Obama
“You need to hate the country enough to change it, but love it enough to consider it worth changing”
Activism is the offspring of dark pessimism and frenzied optimism, working in tandem.
Meta announced a change of IG algorithm to favour small creators with original content that can go viral. It is about to be what TikTok was in 2020, and it’s perfect for upcoming influencers. Here’s what we learnt from TikTok that will help you take advantage of new IG algorithm:
And that’s not all. There are also limitations on what SHIF can cover. For example, with SHIF, cesarean pregnancies are allocated only 32K! This is not even close to what they actually cost.
The big concern with SHIF is that Health Insurance Claims have been allowed to be managed by third parties. This is essentially the government handing public funds to private companies, and we all know how corruption thrives in Kenya within such tenders and contracts.
Money mindsets are like the water that surrounds a fish; they are impossible to see unless you look from the outside. Most of us grew up in a culture ingrained with hundreds of such mindsets, which we'll dissect today.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Anyone can work hard when they feel motivated. It is the ability to keep going when the work isn't exciting that makes the difference.
- James Clear
I’ve recently been learning about Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - the perceived key to personal and professional success, fulfilling relationships, and overall well-being. I thought I’d share my takeaways.
"Your fate is not defined by where you were born, or whether your parents were rich, educated, well connected.
It is defined by who you believe you could be, where you believe you could end up, and the subsequent efforts and sacrifices you are ready to make to get there."
We can only hope for a better report at the end of quarter two, as most of these issues facing businesses and employers are government policy-based.
Anyway, have YOU felt these statistics, and if yes, what are you doing to adapt?
In the past year, KCB stocks grew by 54.57%, and EABL stocks grew by 34.57%. Investing in the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), though risky, can yield very good returns.
Here’s a step-by-step process for investing in the Nairobi Stock Exchange:
(Bookmark This)
'Good debt is a powerful tool but bad debt can kill you' - Robert Kiyosaki. Is it good debt because I took it to start a business? NO. Is it bad debt because I used it to buy a luxury? NO. Good V Bad Debt. Let's break it down. A THREAD.
3. Paying yourself first.
Most people work for a paycheck, pay all their necessities and bills and then try to save for a better future. This concept flips this by putting money into your savings, an emergency fund, or your investments automatically before paying bills.
Quote of The Week
Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity, and deciding that something else is more important.
- Mark Manson
Morgan Housel said that the fact that there's a lot of effort put on one side of the financial equation (growing your incomes) and so little put on the other side (frugality and efficiency) is an opportunity for those who realize.
Equity is … giving an ‘influencer’ a seat at a table with various heads of department from
@AbsaKenya
for A Womens Day Discussion.
Thank you to my fellow panellists for teaching me so much, and thank you
@AbsaKenya
for believing in me and giving me a chance to do this.
5. Investment assets.
One of the most important money skills to master is the power of investing. You'll need to understand and engage in various investment assets and diversification options you have, such as stocks, bonds, index funds, ETFs, real estate, etc.
Morara Kebasso, the JKIA-Adani whistleblower, along with many other whistleblowers we have seen in this era of Kenyan civic awareness, gives weight to the question:
Does the Kenyan constitution protect the country's whistleblowers enough?🧵
The government recently spent 5B on the ICT system of the SHIF, which will have Kenyans pay 2.75% of their salaries to the Fund. Unlike the NHIF, which had a 1700 KES cap, SHIF's 2.75% is consistent. Let us look at this % in terms of your hard-earned money.
Drafters of the bill said they have removed contentious issues from THEIR🤦♀️ Finance Bill 2024 (some of which I mentioned in the quoted post )
But as much as they've conceded to removing quite a number of them, there are still some remaining🧵
I've spent the past week going through the Finance Bill 2024, and the Motor Vehicle Tax, while concerning, seems to be a mere distraction compared to other deeper issues.
Here are 10 concerning but less known tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2024🧵
6. Side hustling.
There are numerous ways to make money on the side by leveraging your skills and hobbies. It helps not to put all your eggs in one basket, and if you are lucky, it can become a solid income you ENJOY making.