How to Survive in Nairobi With a Ksh30,000 Salary

A photo collage of Nairobi City and Kenya Shilling notes
A photo collage of Nairobi City and Kenya Shilling notes
Photo
Nairobi City County

Living in Nairobi with a Ksh30,000 salary poses challenges, especially for those with families. 

Efficient budgeting and smart financial decisions can make a significant difference. 

Here's a practical guide to managing your finances;

Rent Allocation

Paying rent should be at the top of the priority list when you receive your salary. 

It is advisable to allocate no more than 30 percent of your salary for this purpose. 

For a Nairobian earning a minimum wage of Ksh30,000, it is safe to allocate Ksh 8,000 to 9,000 for rent, leaving you with Ksh21,000.

A picture of a Kenyans counting money.
A picture of a Kenyan counting money.
Photo
AJ Kenyan Safaris

Shopping and Household Items

Allocate Ksh7,500 for household shopping, including food, basic commodities, and necessary household items.

Budgeting for this category helps in maintaining a comfortable and well-equipped living space.

This will leave you with Ksh13,500.

An image shopping at a local supermarket in Nairobi.
A photo of a Kenyan shopping at a local supermarket in Nairobi on March 27, 2019.
Photo
Duka Kenya

Savings

Saving is crucial for a person who seeks growth in their lives. It forms part of future planning. With the right planning and saving consistently, you can grow wealth. 

There are different ways to save money in Kenya. While banks remain the safest way to save money, you can also save money through a Sacco. 

It is recommended to set aside 20 percent of your salary as savings which will amount to Ksh6,000.

After this, you will be left with Ksh 7,500.

Transport

Using public transportation is ideal for someone earning Ksh 30,000 in Nairobi, it will save you from the cost of purchasing fuel for your car amid rising fuel costs.

It is therefore advisable to spend no more than 18 percent of your salary on transport which will amount to Ksh5,400.

This will leave you with Ksh2100.

Personal Expenditure

Having been left with Ksh2,100, this will be enough to cater to personal expenditures including entertainment and other expenditures.