Yesterday, Vincent Mboya took to Instagram to advise fellow celebrities on the importance of living simply and planning for the future. He started by addressing young Kenyans in the entertainment industry:
“Right now, if you are famous with a few hundred thousand or even a million in your account, driving nice cars and living large, ask yourself: where will you be in the next 10 years? Will you still be living this life? Or when you turn 40, will you still be famous?” he wrote.
Mboya then answered his own question:
“The answer is NO, because most Kenyan celebrities don’t think about the future. In the Kenyan entertainment industry, there’s a period where you make plenty of money, but then it suddenly dries up.”
Drawing from his own experience, Mboya continued, sharing what he’s learned and wanting to guide others in the industry:
“If you’re influential right now, my advice is to use that influence to secure real wealth. If quitting the industry is necessary, then do so and start earning sustainable income. People might mock you, saying, ‘Huyo ameisha,’ but it’s better to step back now and build something real.”
He also advised celebrities to consider employment or start a business independently:
“Remember when Nyashinski left and went to the U.S.? Think about how to generate genuine income. Start a low-key business or even get a job. Use your influence to advance to the next phase in life.”
Encouraging them not to shy away from making such a change, he assured them that real financial stability brings true satisfaction:
“Don’t be shy! Let entertainment become part-time; if possible, take a break and return later. I guarantee that once you start making real money, you’ll truly enjoy it.”
Mboya stressed that many Kenyan celebrities live beyond their means, noting:
“We all know that most Kenyan celebs are living fake lives. Fake is expensive and doesn’t last like the original. Fame comes and goes worldwide, but money is yours to manage – if you let it slip, it might never return.”
He concluded by posing a thought-provoking question:
“Young Kenyan celebrities, do you want to keep moving forward or remain stagnant and risk falling?”
by HILDA KANINI