Hard has lost its meaning: Tiktoker Maina Mal reflects on survival struggles in Kenya
By Paulette Mboga, May 26, 2026Tiktoker Maina Mal has reflected on the struggles Kenyans face in daily life, saying the word “hard” no longer fully describes the situation in the country.
She explained that many people are living under constant pressure as survival becomes part of everyday life. Her comments highlight growing concern about economic and social challenges affecting citizens.
“Hard has lost its meaning in a country where survival itself is a full-time job,” Maina Mal said on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
She added that many people now feel like they are constantly budgeting their dreams while trying to survive each day. According to her, hope has become limited for many households as they deal with rising pressures. She explained that every new day feels like another test for many Kenyans.
“Where dreams are budgeted, hope is rationed, and every sunrise feels like another test of endurance,” Maina Mal said.
Daily life under pressure
Maina Mal also spoke about safety concerns in the country, saying that fear has quietly become part of everyday living. She explained that different groups in society are affected, including women and children. According to her, this situation has added to the emotional burden many people carry.
“A country where women are not safe. Where children are not safe. Where fear has quietly become part of daily life,” Maina Mal said.
She said that despite these challenges, Kenyans continue to show strength and resilience in their daily routines. Maina Mal explained that people still wake up each day, laugh, and continue pushing forward even when they are tired. She added that this strength is often overlooked.
“But still, Kenyans wake up. Still, they laugh. Still, they carry tomorrow on exhausted shoulders,” Maina Mal said.
Maina Mal also criticised how some people speak about economic conditions without understanding what ordinary citizens are going through. She questioned how disconnected someone would have to be to describe current struggles as minor issues. According to him, many Kenyans are already facing deep hardship in their daily lives.
“Do you know how disconnected you will have to be for you to tell Kenyans that whatever you are going through right now is just the tip of the iceberg?” she said.
She further pointed to rising costs of living, mentioning fuel prices and concerns about taxes being discussed in parliament. Maina Mal said these issues continue to affect ordinary citizens who are already struggling to cope with daily expenses and uncertainty in the economy.