Kenyan socialites and celebrities find themselves in an unwinnable race against time striving to match the extravagant lifestyles of their American counterparts. However, as former Miss Kenya, TV host, and entrepreneur Rachel Mbuki points out, this pursuit is unsustainable in Kenya’s current economic climate.
Mbuki, through her Instagram stories, candidly addressed the trend of Kenyan influencers and celebrities resorting to deceptive means to maintain the illusion of wealth. “Kenyan influencers/celebrities are trying to compete with American ones in an economy that simply doesn’t support that lifestyle yet,” she stated. Comparing the vastly different earning opportunities between the two nations, she highlighted how even a pet cat can earn half a million dollars a year in the U.S., whereas top Kenyan influencers struggle to make $1,000 per month.
This disparity fuels a culture of financial deception. Influencers flaunt designer bags, first-class flights, and luxury dining experiences without a clear or legitimate income source. The illusion, however, is time-sensitive. As Mbuki wisely noted, “Time waits for no one. You can spend years setting fake standards or actually build wealth that lasts.”
Her sentiments echo those of rapper Wangechi, who previously exposed the industry’s artificial glamour. “90% of Kenyan celebrities fake their lifestyle. There’s not enough money circulating in the industry for the luxury life you see being posted.”
Adding to the conversation, musician Madini Classic reinforced the reality that many Kenyan public figures merely own good phones and a ring light to maintain their online presence. He admitted that faking it is part of the industry but emphasized that he has never felt the need to succumb to that pressure himself.
Time will eventually reveal the truth behind these manufactured images. Smoke and mirrors may captivate audiences momentarily, but without genuine financial backing, the facade inevitably crumbles. As Mbuki suggests, the real path to long-term success lies in sustainable ventures whether through entrepreneurship, government contracts, or skilled trades.
The Kenyan economy has yet to fully embrace the profitability of its creative industry. Until then, socialites should align their aspirations with reality. Influence should be earned through tangible success, not through illusions that time will ultimately dismantle. Instead of racing against an unrealistic benchmark, Kenyan celebrities should invest in wealth that withstands time, rather than fleeting social media validation.
