I was thinking budget yangu iko poa but from what I read here bado I have more work to do. Im in my early 30's, not married and not planning on doing that any time soon. I have kids who I'll be leaving in the diaspora who I'll be visiting every 3 monthts or so...Mtu anitoe makosa kama kuna kitu nime sahau hapa down. Im thinking theres gotta be a lot of places to trim the fat from this budget cause 350k seems like a lot of money



1.Rent and utilities (water, electricity etc) -50K

2. Food & House items, including house parties, birthdays, special occasions - 20-25K

3. School fees, transport, lunches, school supplies- 80K.. i wont need this since education is free stateside

4. House help- 8-10K

5.Entertainment - 50K
(Ex. Fish + Chips + drink at a nice restaurant is about 1K per person)

6. Transport, including fuel, car repairs/maintenance,insurance, car loan for 2 family cars- 20K ( although I shouldnt need this cause I weirdly prefer matatus and taxis)

7. Clothing for 1- 3K

8. Wazazi - 15K hapa nita save (my wazazi ni ma hustler on their own right)

9. Airtime, DSTV, gadgets - 10K

10. Savings- 100 K

11. Community contributions (weddings, funerals, medical)- 10K

12. Health care- kids get sick alot + medicines- 5K (Obama care)

13. Charity & Miscellaneous-10-20K

14. Travel back here to see kids..($1200*4=$4800/12)40k

Total: 340,000 NET monthly income


That total kinda throws my plans off kabisa though. I have investments that can generate kedo 400k a month, but if the budget is 340k a month, thats cutting it too close. Hakuna margin of error. Considering it might take me a while to land a decent job in kenya na biashara will take a while to incubate and start bearing fruits.

The plan of going back is already underway..but if you were in my shoes, would you advice me to kanyangia mafuta and rudi back chap chap ama niendelee ku hustle for a few more years hapa?

@Xymalos, this is where many Diasporans go wrong. It's an illogical conclusion to assume that by virtue of living and working abroad, one is automatically in the top 1% back home. Not so. As you can see the figures tell a different story. Numbers don't lie. Hence, it's apparent that people earning less than the amount you quoted cannot afford a solid, upper middle class family lifestyle in Kenya. And those estimates are quite average. Educational expenses probably take the hugest chunk of family income. Schools like Rusinga, Peponi, Hillcrest charge upwards of 200 K per child/term.
Under clothing category, the upper middle class family does not shop at Muthurwa or Gikomba so that 10k per month for 4 people is by all means a very low estimate. Yes, there are a number of diasporans who earn a net of $84,000 per year and more (my wife and I included, by His mercies). Not to worry, diasporans should encourage their kids to work hard in school, like a true Kenyan. Sooner than later, they will be at the top! It becomes very clear that a comfortable, solid middle class lifestyle is cheaper in US than Kenya. In America, the quality of suburban schools is like Brookhouse or Braeburn, all paid for by house property taxes. Even better, there's hope for the youth. That if they work hard, they can become anything without resorting to corruption.

Unfortunately due to market forces, many people have fallen off the solid middle class, into the low middle class and don't even know it! Perhaps they have to live on debt to subsidize the increased cost of living and depressed wages. A budget is crucial in visualizing the in/outflow of income.

@repat, nikuulize swali. Are you on the hook for child support? That alone could significantly alter your budget, plus you want to be on the good side with the law. Is baby mama an understanding lady? I hope! As a single guy, I would say 400K is more than enough. If you're able to grow it, the better. Good thing is that you're not paying school fees. On the other hand, airtickets plus gifts every time you go see them can and will add up over time. At some point, you will probably marry and have other kids, but you'll have a headstart if you can continue growing your businesses.



Exactly!

http://naibuzz.com/2014/...p-kenyan-companies-pay/

Here is the list (2014)

1. Safaricom Limited

According to a survey conducted by Pay Scale, the leading telecommunication company pays a monthly salary of ksh 101,000 – ksh220,000. This is before taxes and any other deductions. Safaricom is the most profitable company in Kenya and sponsors hundreds of events every year.

2. Barclays Bank

The pay here ranges between ksh39,000 and ksh170,000 a month. This is one of the oldest banks in Kenya with headquarters in United Kingdom.

3. Equity Bank

The entry level salary for graduates is around ksh45,000 a month. This will go up as you climb the ranks.

4. KCB

This is the largest bank in terms of assets and one of the oldest banks in the country. Their entry level salary is around ksh55,000 according to research from various people.

5. Kenya Airways

The company calls itself The Pride of Africa and has been facing fierce competition from Ethiopian Airlines. Salaries range from ksh55,000 to ksh1.6 million. Systems Analysts are one of the highest paid people there.

6. Nation Media Group

This is the largest media house in East Africa with presence in all East African countries. Salaries range from ksh24,000 to ksh668,000

7. Standard Chartered Bank

According to the survey the employee pay ranges between ksh70,000 and ksh214,000 a month. The bank is one of the first banks to set up shop in Kenya.

im lucky cause I dont have to pay child support. My ex is well off. we have even considered sending the kids to kenya with me when they get a little older and she can help foot the education and living expenses. (the benefits of being selective where you mwaga mwaga ndani).

My option as i see them now after reading this topic

1. go home and live a new graduate for a few years so that I can dedicate the bulk of $$ to investments that will pay off later

2. Go home and jump into that 'uuper middle' class that we're talking about here and try to tarmac for a job

3. stay here for a few more years and pay off some mortgages on a few rental properties I have, thus freeing up a bit more monthly cash flow...

Chances are nitaenda na option one cause sioni niki make na hiyo lifestyle ya walterwhite...like Ive iterated up there, Im more of a matatu and taxi guy na drinking at the ka local nyama choma jiont vs some jisty club or hotel in westy, kile etc...Pengine its cause Im a kibera product

its disgusting as sh*it.kenyans cannot get goods stuff