I earn Sh20,000. Is it practical to move to a Sh10,000 rental for love?

My name is Aidan. I’m 26 years old and planning to start a serious relationship. I work at an agricultural inputs firm in Mombasa, earning a gross salary of Sh20,000. Currently, I live in a single room that costs Sh5,000 a month.

My girlfriend, who lives upcountry in Eldoret, wants to relocate to Mombasa so we can live together. However, she insists we move into a bedsitter costing between Sh8,000 and Sh10,000.

I’m torn because I want to support her wishes, but I’m also saving for my butchery business upcountry. I deposit Sh1,500 monthly into a money market fund, and my business generates between Sh12,000 and Sh20,000 a month. With December being the peak season for the butchery, I’m keen to expand it further.

This situation has left me in a dilemma. How can I raise additional income to balance between my relationship and business ambitions? My job runs from 7am to 5pm, leaving me free in the evenings. Are there side hustles I can explore to boost my earnings? Please help.

Expert Advice: Benjamin Cheruiyot – Engagement Lead, Abojani Investments

Aidan, apart from your Sh5,000 rent and Sh1,500 savings to the money market fund, you haven’t detailed your other monthly expenses.

This means you’re left with Sh10,500 to Sh9,500 from a net salary of Sh16,000 to Sh17,000, which is unaccounted for. You need to track this money to identify areas of wastage.

Your butchery earns Sh12,000 to Sh20,000 monthly. Is this gross or net profit? Proper bookkeeping is crucial, especially since the business is far from your current location. This will help you manage finances and minimise potential losses due to limited supervision.

If you intend to settle down with your girlfriend, you must first ensure financial stability. From your description, this isn’t the case yet.

You haven’t mentioned if your girlfriend has a job or skills that could generate income. If she’s unemployed, you’ll shoulder the financial burden alone, tightening the noose on your already strained budget.

Moving to a bedsitter will double your rent from Sh5,000 to Sh10,000. Additionally, you’ll incur higher costs for groceries, shopping, entertainment, and travel. If living together is non-negotiable, stress the importance of her finding a job to contribute financially.

Currently, your income of Sh20,000 barely covers basic expenses. Saving Sh1,500 monthly will become increasingly difficult, impacting your butchery’s expansion plans.

While saving through a money market fund is commendable, Sh20,000 annually may not suffice to scale your business significantly.

Consider joining a SACCO and saving Sh3,000 monthly from your butchery’s profits. This would total Sh36,000 annually and allow you to borrow up to Sh144,000 for your business.

With this, you could move to a larger premises, add a choma zone, or diversify into takeaway meals and soup—two lucrative additions.

The festive season presents an opportunity for growth. Stocking up on livestock during this period, when prices are low, can boost your margins. Also, improving your butchery’s hygiene and appearance could attract more customers.

For your evenings, think about simple side hustles like selling smokies, samosas, or boiled eggs. These require minimal capital and can fit into your schedule. Assess your skills and the market to identify viable options.

Long-term, invest in upgrading your professional skills. Online courses can enhance your employability and position you for promotions or higher-paying roles. At 26, you have time on your side—use it wisely.

If you have money problems, email [email protected] and leave your contact details for follow-up. Selected questions will be answered in this column.