How Did That hustler Outshine Me?
This is a question that haunts many when they reach their mid-fifties. They reflect on their years of hard work, academic dedication, and disciplined lifestyle, yet they cannot comprehend how an unschooled, rugged-looking matatu conductor has managed to build an empire far beyond their means.
How did someone who barely scraped through school amass vast properties? How did a secondhand clothes dealer afford a luxurious bungalow while they are still struggling with mortgage payments for a modest two-bedroom flat? Life has an ironic way of surprising us—sometimes, the most unexpected individuals rise to impressive heights.
This article explores that paradox by comparing two individuals: a matatu conductor and an accountant. One belongs to an often-undervalued blue-collar industry, while the other is an educated, polished professional working in an upscale office environment.
To be clear, this piece does not seek to undermine any profession. Instead, it aims to highlight how different choices in life shape one’s financial destiny.
The Matatu Conductor vs. The Accountant
A matatu conductor’s career is frequently dismissed because it is seen as an option for those deemed academically weak. With only a basic understanding of handling cash, one can dive into the trade immediately after completing secondary school.
Meanwhile, an accounting career is highly regarded worldwide. To become a professional accountant, one must obtain a degree in accounting or finance and attain additional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, or CFA. This demands at least four to five years of advanced education before entering the workforce.
According to research conducted, a Nairobi matatu conductor earns approximately Ksh 3,000 on a good day and Ksh 1,500 on a slow one.
On the other hand, a junior accountant in Kenya typically earns between Ksh 30,000 – Ksh 40,000 per month.
Because a matatu conductor can begin working immediately after finishing secondary school, by the time the accountant secures their first job, the conductor has already gained four years of experience. Within two more years, they may advance to become a fully licensed PSV driver, having already adapted to the rough terrain of city life by dealing with traffic officers, county enforcers, and NTSA officials.
Now, let’s compare how these two individuals manage their finances and lifestyles.
Starting Out
The matatu conductor, accustomed to a humble lifestyle, is comfortable renting an inexpensive room in Kayole for Ksh 3,000 a month. Since their workplace is mobile, they do not have daily transport expenses.
Conversely, the young accountant, eager to maintain a higher standard of living, rents a bedsitter in South B or another mid-tier estate, costing around Ksh 10,000 per month. Unlike the conductor, they must budget for daily commuting expenses.
A single trip from South B to town during peak hours costs about Ksh 100, and occasional late-night Uber rides with friends further stretch their budget.
Financial Habits
The matatu conductor, with fewer living expenses, has the ability to save more. If financially savvy, they will join a SACCO, consistently putting money aside with the dream of owning a matatu. To cut costs, they dine at inexpensive local eateries and use their employer’s matatu to source secondhand clothing from Toi Market, setting up a small market stall in Kawangware.
Meanwhile, the accountant is focused on upholding a sophisticated lifestyle. Their biggest concerns revolve around upgrading to a one-bedroom apartment in areas like Lavington or Kilimani. Many also pursue car loans, further increasing their financial burdens.
Striving to uphold an image befitting a corporate employee, they stay active on social media, frequently posting about their achievements and experiences. While the matatu conductor focuses on expanding income streams, the accountant is preoccupied with funding their lifestyle.
Five Years Down the Road
After five years, the conductor has climbed up the ranks to become a PSV driver, increasing their daily earnings from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 5,000. Within months, they are on track to own their first matatu.
Their years of hands-on experience have equipped them with vital business skills. Additionally, their secondhand clothing venture has flourished, managed full-time by their spouse, bringing in an extra Ksh 1,000 per day.
The accountant’s journey is also progressing. They have received a promotion, now earning Ksh 60,000 per month. However, their expenses have grown alongside their salary. They are finishing payments on their car loan, and now they are considering taking another loan to finance their dream wedding, which has a budget of Ksh 1,000,000.
Their heavier responsibilities at work leave them too drained to consider a side business.
At 60 Years of Age
The matatu conductor has successfully expanded their transportation business, owning a fleet of 14-seater matatus and 33-seater HINO buses. Their experience earns them a leadership position in their matatu SACCO.
Their once small mtumba business has transformed into a thriving boutique, with branches in Rongai and Donholm. Their spouse frequently travels abroad to import stock. They have built a bungalow in the outskirts of Nairobi, and in a few more years, they plan to construct rental apartments in Kitengela.
The accountant, now in a senior managerial position, has also made progress—but at a cost. They are burdened with debt. They are still repaying a 30-year mortgage loan for their apartment in Athi River, meaning they will be in debt until age 85.
Their children attend expensive schools, stretching their finances further. To add to their worries, the banking sector is struggling due to digital banking competition and capped interest rates.
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A restructuring memo is circulated in the office, announcing upcoming layoffs. The accountant, now anxious, watches their health decline. Their financial situation is dire—losing their job could result in their apartment being repossessed. In desperation, they attempt to secure a loan to start a business, but with no entrepreneurial experience, the venture fails. The future looks uncertain.
The Lesson
This story is not meant to glorify one career over another. Rather, it serves as a lesson: financial discipline and strategic planning matter more than job titles.
That handcart pusher you splashed water on while driving your financed car may one day surpass you. It’s time to stop financing appearances. Don’t be a passive participant in your own life—wake up and start actively working toward financial independence.
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