Kenyan content creator and entrepreneur Ntazola Gloria has questioned the growing expectation that friends should contribute money towards someone’s birthday celebrations.
In a video shared on TikTok, Gloria said people celebrating their birthdays should plan and pay for their own parties instead of expecting friends to contribute towards food, drinks or other expenses.
‘It’s your birthday, deal with it’
Gloria argued that a birthday celebration is a personal occasion and questioned why guests should be asked to help finance it.
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“Birthday yako, tafuta pesa, jifanyie party, ujigift vitu unapenda.”
She urged people to be realistic about their finances before planning celebrations and inviting friends.
According to Gloria, friends should not be expected to meet the financial demands attached to someone else’s birthday.
“Stop fitting your demands in people’s pockets. It’s your birthday. Deal with it.”
She specifically questioned the practice of asking friends to contribute towards food and drinks at birthday parties.
“You are inviting us to come celebrate you. Why must we contribute money for the food and drinks?”
‘Being friends in Nairobi is expensive’
Gloria also spoke about the financial pressure that can come with maintaining friendships in Nairobi.
She said the number of social events people are expected to attend can make friendship increasingly expensive, particularly when every celebration comes with financial expectations.
“To be friends with people in Nairobi is so expensive. I don’t have a budget for anybody’s birthday.”
She added that she does not want to be placed in a position where she has to send money simply because someone is celebrating their birthday.
Birthday themes and dress codes
Gloria also questioned birthday parties that require guests to follow specific themes or dress codes.
She said such requirements can create another financial burden for guests who may not have money to purchase a particular outfit.
“Ati theme ya birthday, how sure are you nita-afford 10,000 ya kununua dress?”
She explained that these expectations are among the reasons she chooses not to attend some social events.
“That’s why I don’t show up to anything.”
Her message to friends
Gloria concluded by making her position clear, saying she would not send money to friends simply because they were celebrating their birthdays.
“I’m not going to send you money for your birthday. It’s your birthday. Deal with it.”
Her comments add to previous discussions she has had publicly about friendships, money and personal boundaries. In January 2026, she told her followers that she had always been comfortable being alone and found social interaction tiring and unproductive.
