The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Rising living costs are forcing more Kenyans to rethink how they earn and manage money, as relying on a single salary or income source becomes increasingly unsustainable amid mounting pressure from food, transport, rent, and other essential expenses.
A TIFA research report released on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, points to a shifting economic reality, noting that household income levels have remained largely stagnant even as inflation and rising fuel costs continue to erode purchasing power.
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According to the survey, 58 percent of Kenyan adults were employed — including those self-employed — a drop from 63 percent recorded in November 2025. The report noted that while just over half of Kenyan adults are working in some capacity, only about one in ten earn more than Sh50,000 per month, a figure that has barely shifted across TIFA’s two previous surveys.
The survey also found that more than two-thirds of Kenyans — roughly 70 percent — identified the economy as the country’s most pressing problem, whether framed in terms of unemployment and poverty (44 percent) or inflation and rising prices (25 percent). Corruption trailed at 19 percent, with other concerns receiving only minimal mentions, at around 7 percent combined.
These figures highlight a difficult employment landscape, where simply having a job does not guarantee sufficient income to comfortably cover daily living costs.
As a result, more Kenyans are turning to additional income streams alongside their main jobs or businesses. These side hustles range from selling clothes and food online to freelancing, running small enterprises, offering professional services, or leveraging digital platforms to earn extra money.
For some, this supplementary income helps cover basic needs, while for others it creates room to save, invest, or work toward greater financial independence.
Side hustle culture has become especially visible among young Kenyans, aided by social media and digital platforms that make it easier to market products and services without the overhead costs tied to traditional business setups. Someone with a full-time job, for instance, might sell products online after work hours, while another with a specialized skill could take on freelance clients during their spare time.
However, juggling multiple income streams isn’t without its challenges. Long working hours, limited rest, and the constant pressure to find new customers can take a toll on people’s overall wellbeing.
For many Kenyans, side hustles are no longer just a path to accumulating wealth — they’ve become a practical response to an economy where a single income source often falls short. For many households, this extra earning provides a financial buffer, helping them manage emergencies and unexpected costs without resorting to borrowing.
