Justina Wamae explains Kenya’s biggest problem is bragging about money without education
Former Roots Party running mate Justina Wamae has said Kenya’s biggest problem lies in the common belief that money is more important than education.
She argued that the popular phrase, “Mimi sijasoma, lakini niko na pesa”, reflects a damaging mindset that continues to hold back the country’s competitiveness.
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Wamae, through a statement of X on Sunday, September 21, 2025, said this attitude explains what she called Kenya’s “kienyeji” way of doing things, which she warned is unsustainable in a country trying to gain a competitive edge in the global economy.
“The trouble with Kenya is the phrase, Mimi sijasoma, lakini niko na pesa! That explains our kienyeji nature of doing things, which is not sustainable in Kenya’s quest for competitive advantage.
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Ordering the disorder in the factor of production labour is the only agenda bigger than the ‘leading’ dead horse shenanigans,” she stated.
Youth unemployment crisis
Wamae also drew attention to what she described as a tragedy in the labour market.
She said there is hardly any difference between the state of a 25-year-old and that of a 60-year-old retiree in Kenya because both groups are largely out of work.
“The trouble with Kenya is that there’s no difference between a 25-year-old and a 60-year-old retiree. They are both out of work,” she said.
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“This is a tragedy because the 25-year-old should be building the wealth they will depend on in their old age. Talk about poverty in advance,” she added.
According to Wamae, creating wealth for the nation is the most urgent priority, warning that without opportunities for the youth to generate income, Kenya risks locking its population into long-term poverty.
Focus on labour and wealth creation
According to Wamae, the only way to secure the country’s future is by fixing labour issues and prioritising productivity.
She dismissed what she referred to as “leading dead horses shenanigans”, arguing that political distractions have taken centre stage instead of solutions that improve employment and wealth creation.
Her remarks come as unemployment remains a major concern, with thousands of young graduates and skilled workers struggling to find jobs.
Wamae has urged leaders to shift focus from political rhetoric to policies that will harness Kenya’s human capital.
