Controversial YouTuber Andrew Kibe has never been one to shy away from sharing his unfiltered views on various issues. Recently, Kibe stirred up heated conversations on social media by advocating for an unconventional investment approach: he urged Kenyans to prioritize purchasing a car over investing in land, particularly land in areas like Kamulu, a growing residential zone outside Nairobi. His post triggered a wave of reactions, with some supporting his perspective while others voiced disagreement. This debate touches on deeper socio-economic discussions, including wealth creation, lifestyle choices, and the evolution of societal values in Kenya.
Kibe’s Argument: Cars Over Land
Andrew Kibe’s message was simple yet profound. He advised young men to consider purchasing a car as their first major investment instead of land. In his view, owning a car brings significant personal growth and helps in broadening one’s outlook on life. Kibe’s comments, as expected, were bold and controversial. He stated:
“The first investment a man should make is a car, not land in Kamulu. Break free from the cycle of ignorance. Buy a car and elevate your thinking. Go get yourself a good car.”
This statement goes against the conventional wisdom in Kenya, where owning land has long been considered a key marker of financial stability and long-term wealth. In many Kenyan households, the dream of owning land is passed down through generations. Families often prioritize saving up to buy land as a way to secure their future, build homes, or engage in farming activities.
Kibe, however, believes that investing in a car first will open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth. His argument is rooted in the idea that a car can bring more immediate benefits, such as enhanced mobility, convenience, and respect from society.
Reactions from Kenyans: A Divided Opinion
Kibe’s post was met with a mix of praise and criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate between those who prioritize material assets such as cars and those who view land as a more traditional, long-term investment.
One commenter, burahh, took a humorous approach, noting that people often prioritize material wealth during their lifetimes but ultimately leave behind physical assets after their death, such as houses and land. He remarked:
“They’ll build you a house after you die, so just buy a Range.”
This sarcastic comment implies that land, while essential for long-term stability, might not bring immediate fulfillment or opportunities during one’s life. It pokes fun at the idea that people invest in property they might not fully enjoy during their lifetime.
On the other hand, another user, mwambatalo_sambataba7_official, supported Kibe’s perspective. He saw the practicality of owning a car, particularly for generating income through car rental services such as Uber:
“You might think Kibe is misleading us, but he’s speaking facts. A car can help you earn money. People respect you more, and you’ll be included in bigger deals. You can even rent it out and make 5k++ a day. Do the math for a month. I wish someone would gift me an Uber car—I’d show them how it’s done. Kibe is right.”
This comment highlights a shift in thinking among some Kenyans. Instead of viewing cars as a depreciating asset, mwambatalo_sambataba7_official sees them as an income-generating tool. In a gig economy where ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are booming, owning a car can indeed be a valuable source of income, helping young people earn a living while potentially making enough to invest in land or other assets later.
Cars as a Tool for Societal Mobility
Kibe’s argument also taps into the broader societal narrative of upward mobility. In Kenya, car ownership is often associated with success and status. Owning a car can signal that one has “made it” in life. In Kibe’s perspective, a car provides not just physical mobility but also a mental and social upliftment. By owning a car, individuals can gain access to new opportunities, meet influential people, and increase their confidence, which can, in turn, lead to better prospects in business and career.
In many professions, especially those in urban settings, having a car is crucial for networking, closing business deals, or even attending important meetings without the challenges of relying on public transportation. This enhanced mobility can lead to new partnerships, investments, or contracts, thus offering the potential for greater financial returns in the short to medium term. Kibe’s point, then, is that a car could open doors that land, sitting idle, cannot.
The Counterargument: Land as a Secure Investment
Despite Kibe’s bold stance, many Kenyans still view land as the gold standard of investment. Land is seen as a long-term, secure asset that appreciates over time. In a country where population growth is high and urbanization is accelerating, the demand for land is expected to continue rising, especially in areas surrounding Nairobi, like Kamulu. Owning land provides a sense of permanence and security that few other investments can match.
Land can also be developed for commercial or residential purposes, bringing long-term returns either through renting, farming, or eventual resale at a profit. For many Kenyans, land ownership is a source of pride, and it serves as a family legacy that can be passed down to future generations.
Additionally, investing in land comes with fewer risks of depreciation compared to cars, which lose value over time due to wear and tear, fluctuating market conditions, and technological obsolescence. In contrast, land generally appreciates in value as demand increases and space becomes scarcer in urban and peri-urban areas.
Bridging the Gap: Can Both Investments Coexist?
The debate between choosing a car or land as the first major investment does not need to be an either-or decision. In an ideal world, both investments could serve different purposes at different stages of life. A car can indeed offer short-term mobility, convenience, and even income generation, particularly for those in the transportation business. On the other hand, land offers long-term financial security and the potential for generational wealth.
In the modern economy, diversification is key to financial success. Instead of rigidly adhering to the idea that one must invest in land or a car, Kenyans could consider a balanced approach, where both assets play a role in building wealth over time. Owning a car could provide immediate opportunities, while investing in land secures future financial stability.
Changing Perspectives in a Changing World
Kibe’s comments reflect a broader shift in how younger generations think about wealth creation and personal growth. While the older generation traditionally prioritized land and physical assets, the younger generation, especially millennials and Generation Z, are more likely to invest in lifestyle improvements and technological advancements that offer immediate benefits.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience, flexibility, and access to income-generating tools such as cars, mobile phones, and the internet are increasingly valued. Owning a car might provide faster access to financial independence in a gig economy, while land represents a more long-term, passive investment.
Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Discussion
Andrew Kibe’s call to prioritize cars over land has ignited a thought-provoking discussion about the nature of wealth and personal growth in Kenya. While his views may be controversial, they bring to light important considerations about the changing priorities of young Kenyans. In a country where both land and cars represent significant investments, the ultimate choice depends on one’s personal goals, financial circumstances, and long-term vision. As Kibe’s debate continues, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, Kenyans must weigh the pros and cons of each investment and choose the path that aligns with their aspirations.
