Niskumie Kakitu: Here are practical ways to avoid black tax

It’s the end of the month, and the white smoke has been released. Your bank balance is finally alive again. You start planning how you would pay bills, save some money, and perhaps treat yourself to that juicy burger you have been craving.

However, before you even transfer money from your account to your mobile wallet, your phone starts buzzing. It’s as if the white smoke was broadcast live to the entire extended family. Suddenly, one has been nominated as the family’s Chief Financial Officer.

Welcome to black tax, the unofficial subscription plan where earning a paycheck often means becoming the finance department for the extended family.

For many Africans, black tax is more than just a financial obligation. It is rooted in culture, community and the belief that when one person succeeds, they should uplift the family. Parents sacrifice to educate their children, relatives contribute during difficult times, and communities often rally around those needs. Then it is expected that you will chip in once you are finally employed.

The challenge arises when that support becomes overwhelming. A significant portion of income goes towards rent, food, transport, debt and personal goals. Yet, on an almost monthly basis, there is still an expectation to assist family members. Over time, constant financial requests can put a strain on your pocket, making it difficult to save, invest or build long-term wealth.

The good news is that avoiding black tax does not mean abandoning family responsibilities. It means managing those responsibilities in ways that protect your financial future while still offering meaningful support.

Here are the practical ways to avoid black tax:

Set financial boundaries early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is turning themselves into a 24-hour family helpline. However, while helping your family is important, there is a smarter approach: create a “family budget”. Unless you want your payday to start feeling like a national holiday.

Decide how much money you can put aside to support your relatives each month. When your budget is exhausted, politely explain that you cannot contribute more that month. Boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first, but they prevent financial burnout.

Open communication

Have honest and open conversations with your family members. Instead of silently carrying the burden, explain your financial situation, goals, and responsibilities to them. This can prevent misunderstanding and create a healthier balance between supporting and securing your own financial future.

Don’t rush into taking responsibilities

Just because you earn an income doesn’t mean you should automatically be seen as the saviour of your family whenever there are financial troubles. Ask yourself: is the matter urgent, or is it a bill that someone else needs to pay? It’s great to help, but always bailing people out of situations that they can easily avoid will encourage dependency. Help your family but never put yourself in financial danger.

Prioritise your own financial goals

Take care of yourself first. Pay yourself first before you pay anyone else, including your family. Ensure you have met your basic needs and built savings before paying out any cash.

Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Ensuring that you have secured your own financial future means you will be able to help others later.

Empower family members to become financially independent

One can empower them to earn their own money through employment, by learning a new skill, or by establishing small-scale businesses. The best way to create sustainable financial security for your family is to empower them to become financially independent.

Know how to say “No”

Refusing to help does not necessarily mean that you are selfish. Rather, refusing to help is just making responsible financial decisions.

In case you cannot afford to give your family any form of financial help, you can politely tell them this. Although most people may not appreciate it, your honesty will earn you their respect.

Conclusion

Next time your phone buzzes with a message that says “Nitumie hata kakitu…”, calm down and check your budget before responding.

Black Tax does not have to mean sacrificing either family or finances when choosing between independence and interdependence. You see, if you use all your income to solve problems that arise immediately, who will solve those of tomorrow?

You cannot build generational wealth when each new generation withdraws from the same bank account. You know what? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your family is not to send more money via M-Pesa, but to become financially independent to the point where, one day, no one needs to be saved anymore. So be there for your family, take calls… but don’t turn your salary into a public holiday.