#ThisIsMyStory I am 25 but have responsibilities the size of a 40 year old. My dad retired while I was in class six, he is polygamous and we are the younger family. So my uncle took up the responsibility of educating me till form 3. My aunt somehow convinced him not to pay my fees any further. My form four fees were never paid. However, being in a Catholic national school, my principal allowed me to finish my studies and I only paid the fees balance in January 2016, many years later.
I joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law which I successfully finished, thanks to the HELB loan. My next hustle was to join the Kenya School of Law(KSL). Raising the 200 k fee was no joke. I got a partial scholarship from LSK and did academic writings to get the balance.
I struggled throughout my KSL life to make ends meet. Writing most of the time to raise money for rent, transport, food and other essentials. As if that was no small struggle, I had my parents and siblings asking for money each and every week with no appreciation at all. My parents believed that I am rich simply because I have law degree.
After KSL, I managed to secured pupillage at a law firm with a pay of 20k/month. Both my mum and dad were so excited saying that finally their struggles were over. My mom actually stopped doing the little jobs she did and specifically indicated that it’s high time she manages my money.
She asks for thousands every week. Sometimes I send her money and I am only left with fare to work and at least 10 bob for sukuma wiki, which I take every day of the month. I always feel that she manipulates me! I don’t know how to say NO to her. She can even pretend to be sick or my baby brother and sister so that I send her money. My two sisters and brother in campus also ask for money. I feel so frustrated. It’s a burden being a first born. I can barely support myself, sembuse familia yangu?
Thankfully, I passed my bar exams so I’m waiting for admission to the bar. I hope I will have enough money to meet all these responsibilities once I become an advocate.
In the meantime, how do I manage the financial pressure from my family? It has really weighed me down till at one time I thought of procuring a sponsor to meet their financial needs. I even take huge Mshwari loans in the middle of the month just to send money to my mum. I am frustrated even though my friends think I am always happy. I wish I could block all my family. Please advise.
PS: #ThisIsMyStoryCampaign lets you open up, anonymously, about your struggles & how you deal with them. To take part, send your story to [email protected].
#MarkMaish #TheBrokeBillionaire