A recent discussion on Mwelekeo TV focused on the financial struggles facing many young people in Kenya today.
During the conversation, host Mercy Otieno spoke with Veronicah Okola, the founder of Finsmart Hub, about why financial literacy is becoming an important issue for the youth.
The discussion looked at how many young people leave school with good grades but still find it hard to manage money or build stable financial lives.
Across the country, thousands of young people graduate every year with hopes of getting good jobs. However, the number of available jobs is much smaller than the number of graduates.
Because of this, many young people face unemployment or are forced to work in jobs that do not pay enough.
At the same time, the rising cost of living makes it harder for them to save or invest. This situation has created stress and limited opportunities for many youth who want to build better futures.
Veronicah Okola explained that her experience growing up inspired her to start Finsmart Hub. She saw her parents work hard throughout their lives. Her father retired early, and her mother, who was a teacher, relied on smart investments to support the family.
Watching this taught Veronicah the importance of financial planning and wise investments. She later decided to use that knowledge to help other young people and women learn how to manage money and create their own income opportunities.
One of the key messages from the discussion was that investment should not wait until someone has a lot of money. Veronicah said that people should start learning how to invest even while they are working or starting small businesses.
Waiting for the perfect job or large income before thinking about investment can delay financial growth.
Instead, young people should begin with small steps and build gradually over time.
Finsmart Hub focuses on three main areas to support young people. The first is financial literacy.
This involves teaching basic skills such as budgeting, saving, and understanding how investments work. Many people grow up without learning these skills in school or at home.
Because of this, money is often seen only as something for daily survival rather than a tool for building wealth.
The second area is entrepreneurship training. Since many young people cannot rely only on formal employment, Finsmart Hub encourages them to turn their skills and ideas into businesses.
The program supports beginners by helping them develop business ideas and structure their ventures properly.
Those who already run businesses receive training on growth strategies, marketing, and how to access funding.
The organization also teaches digital skills that are important for modern businesses.
Participants learn how to use payment gateways, create branding graphics, and market their businesses online.
Even small business owners, sometimes called “mamogas,” are shown how to use online platforms to reach more customers and increase their sales.
The third focus area is mentorship. Experienced professionals share their knowledge and real-life experiences with learners.
Veronicah explained that success is not measured by how many people attend training sessions, but by real change in people’s lives.
Some participants learn how to manage their household finances better, while others grow small businesses into sustainable sources of income.
The conversation also touched on the challenges young entrepreneurs face in Kenya. Many people focus only on short-term survival rather than long-term planning.
In addition, cheap imports sometimes make it difficult for local businesses to compete.
However, technology is helping reduce some of these barriers. Tools such as artificial intelligence for design, automation systems, and online marketplaces are making it easier and cheaper to start businesses.
Veronicah shared that Finsmart Hub plans to launch an accelerator program that will guide young entrepreneurs from idea development to business launch.
She hopes that within the next five years the organization will grow into one of Africa’s leading platforms for financial literacy and entrepreneurship training, with physical training centers as well.
The main message from the discussion was simple but important. Young people should not lose hope even when opportunities seem limited.
By learning financial skills, developing the right mindset, and seeking guidance, they can begin building wealth step by step.
Even with small resources, consistent effort and knowledge can create better financial futures.
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