Mike Sonko's X Post: Unpacking Kenya's Preference for Employment

Most Kenyans prefer being employed to running their own businesses as entrepreneurs. This was evidenced by the responses on a post in X done by former Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko.

Sonko did a post on July 24, 2025, asserting that he has, over time, observed that most people, especially Kenyans, actually prefer long-term employment over the perceived risks of building their own businesses.

He said that most people lack the patience to dedicate a short period of their time to build their own businesses, but are ready and willing to work under somebody for several decades, and they see nothing wrong in that.

“People don't have the patience to dedicate 3 years to build their own business but will have the patience to work for others for 20 years,” he posted.

The question prompted a range of responses, shedding light on the complex motivations behind career choices in Kenya.

The Allure of Stability and Fear of Failure

Many contributors highlighted the fundamental human desire for certainty as a key driver. Employment offers a predictable income and a sense of security that entrepreneurship often lacks, particularly in its nascent stages.

"Because [employment] gives you certainty. And most people fear freedom more than failure," remarked one user, @mrs_janhvi.      

@wakeupisnow added, “It’s easier to follow a path than to build one.”   

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Some suggested that individuals prefer to hang on to other people for support due to this underlying fear. The comfort of a stable job was seen as a powerful psychological factor, overriding the potential for greater freedom or reward.

@Murangila_5123: “People prefer slavery over freedom.”

"Comfort feels safer than risk — but freedom is always on the other side of patience and persistence," stated @BreakTheKnown.

Realities of Entrepreneurship: Time, Capital, and Skills

Beyond psychological factors, practical hurdles to starting and sustaining a business were frequently mentioned. Respondents pointed out that not everyone possesses the innate qualities required to be a successful business person.

"Not everyone was born a business person. Some people are poor self-managers and must just be managed," @ejnyamogo commented.

The sheer demands of entrepreneurship, including the need for significant time, capital, education, and financial stability, were also raised as substantial barriers.

"People also don't have the time, capital, education, or financial stability to do that either," highlighted @macabaret_17.           

Despite these challenges, some acknowledged the potential rewards, noting that "building your own biz can be very challenging but if it takes off, you'll reap the fruits".