TikToker Malcolm warns against having many children when broke

TikTok content creator Arnold Malcolm has warned Kenyans against having many children when they are financially unstable, linking the practice to rising insecurity and worsening economic pressure in households.

In a clip posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Malcolm argued that many parents in Kenya are unknowingly contributing to crime and social problems by bringing children into the world they cannot properly raise.

“Sisi… tunachangia insecurity. Tunazaa ovyo-ovyo,wewe unajua manze hauna kazi, lakini unazaa watoto wakumi,” he said.

He painted a painful but common picture: a child reaches nine or ten years old with nothing at home, no proper support, and eventually turns to stealing or crime just to survive. By the time they become teenagers without education or guidance, many end up in crime.

Cost of living

Malcolm stressed that raising children in Nairobi and other Kenyan towns is extremely expensive, from diapers and formula milk to school fees, uniforms, and daily needs.

He urged parents to be realistic about their finances before expanding their families.

“Kama unajua unaweza lea watoto wawili, lea wawili,” he advised. “Saa hizi ni kutumia akili Lazima ukuwe na mpango.”

He criticised the habit of having more children than one can afford, saying it creates unnecessary stress for parents and pushes children into the streets.

Malcolm dismissed the common “God will provide” mindset, noting that in today’s tough economy, every family must take personal responsibility.

“Hakuna hata mwenye anajali… kila mtu saa hizi maisha yake ni kungori,” he added.

Insecurity concerns

According to Malcolm, unplanned and excessive childbearing is quietly fuelling insecurity in the country because neglected children grow into desperate adults. He called on Kenyans to embrace family planning seriously and stop the cycle of poverty.

Malcolm maintained that his message is not about shaming parents, but about encouraging responsibility. Two well-raised, properly supported children, he believes, are better than many who end up suffering and becoming a burden to society.

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