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  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.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.”   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.