A Gen-Z shares his week’s spending in their first job 

Occupation: Graduate Trainee
Industry: PR and Communication
Age: 24
Location: Nairobi

Do you have a monthly budget? 

Most of the elements in my monthly budget are usually constant, unless there’s an unforeseen circumstance.

Monday

1. I was startled awake at 5:30 by lightning and thunderstorms. I thought the world was ending, just to find out KPLC did their thing, and my phone was at 30%. I’d hit the snooze button too many times, and I woke up hungry. Long story short, breakfast was outvoted, so I didn’t spend any money on it. Moral of the story (Usikufe njaa na usi oversleep). I took a quick shower, packed my lunch, and left for work.

2. Transport from home to town via matatu was KSh 100, and from town to work was KSh 30.

3. At Lunch time, I ate my packed lunch, which saved me KSh180. I decided to get a snack and bought a Minute Maid (apple flavour) for KSh 80.

4. After work, I left for town, which cost me KSh 40 and from town to the home stage cost me KSh 100. I took a boda boda to the house for KSh 200.

Total for the day = KSh 340 

Tuesday

1. Unlike Monday, I woke up to the sound of my alarm. Guys! I carried my lunch two days in a row. At this rate, I will buy a car by December and stop using my footsubishi and shoebaru every day. Cost for lunch KSh 0. I ate breakfast this time around, and I am 50% more energised. No cost for breakfast.
2. Transport from home to work via matatu cost me KSh 130.
3. Bought a Sprite and a Sandwich. Fueling the body is much better than lying to it, but the vibes are good. Costs KSh 260.
4. Transport home cost KSh 200.

Total for the day = KSh 590  

Wednesday

1. Today I woke up before my alarm. Growth. Character development. Maturity.  I even sat on my bed for 2 minutes like a responsible citizen planning life decision. Breakfast? Yes. We are healed. Tea and bread at home, KSh 0 (because we don’t calculate peace). I showered, and I packed lunch again. At this rate, December is shaking in its boots.
2. Today I got a lift from home to town and saved KSh 100. Town to work cost KSh 30.
3. Lunch time came. I confidently removed my packed lunch like a disciplined finance minister. But…My colleagues ordered chips. Let me tell you something, the smell? Criminal. I stayed strong… until 3 pm. Bought a smokie and soda, total, KSh 120.
4. I went home, which cost KSh 200.

Total for the day = 350

Thursday

1. I woke up to the sound of my sweet, loud alarm, I showered, took breakfast and left for work. I didn’t carry lunch today.

2. The matatu conductor didn’t have change. I was forced to buy a random bottle of water that I didn’t want, didn’t need, and wasn’t even thirsty for. I am now hydrated against my will. Cost: KSh 50. Fare was KSh100.

3. Because I didn’t carry my lunch, I did what a regular comrade does Kuinama.

4. Bought airtime for bundles at KSh100 because there was traffic on the way home. It was raining, I got home and to no one’s surprise, I had no lights. Cost.

Total for the day = 200

Friday

1. Woke up peacefully. No thunder, no lightning, no Fuliza notifications screaming my name. For once, the universe allowed me to rest. I showered and left for work.

2. Breakfast decision-making was elite. I had 1 sausage and 2 samosas. Yes, I decided to spoil myself because I survived the rain which seemed to have a personal beef with me and conductors without change. Cost Ksh 200.

3. Lunch was outside the office. Not because the food at home was bad, but I deserved a change of scenery, sat somewhere with vibes, fresh air, and people. I had chips and soda, which cost KSh180.

4. After work, I went home, which cost KSh 230, then later went to buy supper, which cost KSh 250.

Total for the day =860

Saturday

1. I woke up at 7:00 am and went to the gym. I worked out from 8:00 -10:00 am, my muscles were confused because they usually only get a workout from running to catch a matatu. The cost was Ksh 450 since I have not paid for membership.
2. After the gym, I was hungry, and I decided to buy lunch since I did not feel like cooking. Cost was Ksh 210.
3. From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, I visited my friend. Cost – KSh100

Total for the day: KSh 760

Sunday

1. I went for the 9:30 am service, and today’s sermon was on spiritual renewal. Cost KSh 100 (offering).
2. Service ended at 11:30 am, went back home and had a light snack, a smocha, which cost KSh 70.
3. At 1:00 pm, it was time for Sunday league football, and to make it fun, guess what, it rained, but it was worth it. Cost KSh 200
4. At 5:00 pm, post-match refreshment with the boys. It is “law” to have a cold drink after playing football. Cost KSh 300.

Total for the day: KSh670

Total for the week: 3,770

Conclusion: I have learned that even when my body is tired, and my wallet is on life support, I still somehow respawn every morning. Apparently, I’m extremely wealthy in survival skills.