By 100Africa.com Correspodent
Former Bahati MP Hon. Kimani Ngunjiri is not your typical politician when it comes to money. In a candid, humorous, and deeply insightful conversation on Dr. King’ori’s show (with over 669K subscribers), Ngunjiri pulled back the curtain on his unconventional—but time-tested—approach to wealth creation. His message? Avoid debt. Use your brain, your discipline, and your network instead.
The Philosophy: Think Twice Before Taking Money
“Somebody comes and tells you, take 40 million. Think twice!” Ngunjiri warned. “Nobody gives you money for free. Loans come with pressure, interest upon interest, and sleepless nights.”
Instead of rushing to banks or lenders, he urges young people to cultivate risk-taking intelligence. His personal mantra: take calculated risks with deposits, buy at the right time, and sell smart. To him, true wealth is built on strategic thinking, timing, and self-discipline—not borrowed money.
Lessons From History: How Land Built Generational Wealth
Drawing from Kenya’s post-independence land redistribution era, Ngunjiri shared how his father and peers pooled resources through buying companies to purchase land at a fraction of its current value.
“What started with 20 shillings as a deposit later turned into full shares worth acres of prime farmland,” he explained. “The Kikuyu knew the value of land, and that’s why they fought colonialism. Land has always been the foundation of real wealth.”
This generational perspective underscores his belief: assets—not loans—secure families for the future.
Hard Work and Discipline Over Quick Money
Ngunjiri credits his upbringing for shaping his financial habits. His father, a mechanic who repaired tractors bought at auction, and his mother, who managed the butchery business, modeled resilience and resourcefulness.
“If you are hardworking and disciplined, God will bless you,” he said. “Even the Bible says, I will bless the work of your hands.”
He contrasted this with Kenya’s culture of shortcuts: “Some people build through theft or corruption. But that never ends well. True wealth comes from diligence, patience, and passing knowledge to your children.”
Investing in Family, Not Just Assets
Beyond money, Ngunjiri emphasized mentorship within the family. “Share your business with your children while you are alive,” he urged. “Let them drive the cars, let them spoil. At least you’ll be there to guide them.”
To him, the biggest mistake Kenyan parents make is leaving wealth without wisdom. “Many families collapse after inheritance because the children were never trained in discipline. Teach them early. Walk with them.”
Today’s Youth and the Trap of Complaints
The former MP cautioned against Kenya’s culture of constant complaint. “Complain, complain, complain—it makes you weak. Work hard, save where you can, and use your brain.”
He acknowledged the struggles of today’s generation—limited land opportunities, corruption, and harsh economic conditions—but insisted that creativity, not credit, remains the ultimate equalizer.
“Opportunities still exist, but you must open your eyes. Don’t just wait for government jobs. Start where you are. Even a deposit of 200 shillings can change your life if you think smart.”
The Bottom Line: Wealth Without Borrowing
At the heart of Ngunjiri’s message is a simple but disruptive truth: borrowing is not the only path to success.
- Build with what you have, however little.
- Invest in land, skills, and businesses that grow over time.
- Involve your children early to secure generational continuity.
- Above all, stay disciplined—because without discipline, even millions vanish.
As he summed it up: “Don’t borrow. Think. Save. Take risks wisely. That is how you build wealth without chains of debt.”