Dark side of hustle culture in Kenya. Photo | AI-generated.
Kenya’s hustle culture has long been associated with a relentless work ethic, where success is often measured by how hard one grinds.
The idea of “hustling” is deeply embedded in society, with many juggling multiple jobs or side gigs just to make ends meet.
However, this culture is increasingly leading to burnout, as people push themselves beyond healthy limits in pursuit of financial stability.
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There are several factors contributing to the glorification of burnout. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Economic Pressure
The high rate of unemployment in Kenya in recent years has coincided with a rising cost of living. This has forced many people to take on extra work, making exhaustion seem like a necessary sacrifice for survival.
Social Expectations
Social expectations significantly influence how individuals behave and make decisions. In Kenya, hustle culture plays a major role in glorifying overwork.
Many people equate success with relentless hard work, believing that juggling multiple jobs is the only path to financial stability and social respect.
This mindset is further reinforced by peer pressure and constant comparison, where individuals feel the need to keep up with others.
Cultural narratives also feed into this cycle, with popular phrases like maisha ni kujikaza (life is about hustling hard).
While these expectations can be motivating, they often result in burnout prompting a growing conversation on whether Kenya’s hustle culture needs to evolve toward a healthier balance between ambition and well-being.
Online businesses have grown significantly in Kenya. As of June 2023, 17.8 percent of businesses operated online a slight decrease from 19.1 percent in October 2022.
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Still, digital adoption among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) continues to expand, with 85.6 percent using at least one digital channel for business transactions.
This rise in online entrepreneurship has made it easier to work around the clock, blurring the lines between work and rest.
Influence of Social Media
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram showcase entrepreneurs and influencers who appear to thrive through nonstop work.
This creates pressure, especially among young people, to constantly hustle in order to emulate this perceived success.
Economic Inequality
The growing gap between the wealthy and the poor is another key factor. Many people in lower-income brackets take on multiple jobs out of necessity, viewing it as the only way to move ahead in life.
Limited formal employment opportunities have pushed many young people into informal work and side hustles, making exhaustion seem inevitable and overworking appear normal.
The normalization of constant work and side gigs among the youth can be viewed from two perspectives: empowerment and survival.
Some young people view their side gigs and multiple jobs as opportunities for financial independence, skill-building, and long-term growth outside traditional employment. It’s seen as a way of taking control of one’s future.
Survival Disguised as Ambition
In many cases, however, the hustle is driven more by economic necessity than ambition. Rising living costs, student debt, and job insecurity force many young people to overwork making it seem like a badge of honor rather than a symptom of systemic problems.
Mental and Physical Toll
The glorification of constant work often leads to stress, burnout, and declining mental health.
Many young people feel guilty for resting, having internalized the belief that productivity determines self-worth.
Although hustle culture is deeply rooted, there’s a growing movement advocating for smarter work, better work-life balance, and financial literacy. These are being presented as healthier alternatives to the endless grind.
Ultimately, the glorification of hustle culture in Kenya reflects a deeply ingrained societal mindset one that ties ambition to struggle.
While relentless work is often seen as a badge of honor, the rising cases of burnout suggest an urgent need to redefine productivity and success in more sustainable terms.
Young people are beginning to challenge the narrative, promoting intentional success, financial literacy, and a balanced lifestyle over constant grinding.
The conversation is shifting, raising a critical question, Can ambition exist without exhaustion, or will survival continue to masquerade as empowerment? The future of Kenya’s workforce may very well depend on how we choose to redefine success beyond sheer endurance.
