Habits we should leave behind in 2025

As 2025 rolls in, Kenyans are entering another year packed with hopes, resolutions, and brand-new memes waiting to trend.

But before we start shouting “new year, new me,” there are a few habits we really need to retire. Some of these things have followed us for too long — like that one WhatsApp group you can’t leave because your auntie is the admin. Here are five habits we should finally leave behind in 2025, and yes, the first one is long overdue.

Judging people for no reason

This one deserves a full ceremony and a farewell speech. In Kenya, we judge people for everything. How they dress, how they speak, which matatu they board, and even how they eat.

Someone buys a small car, and suddenly people whisper, “Hii gari ni ya kuenda job ama ni toy?”

Someone is quiet at a gathering, and we decide they are either proud, broke, or hiding a secret life in Dubai. In 2025, let’s leave this behind. If someone wants to eat chapati with a fork, let them. If another person chooses to wear sunglasses indoors, maybe they’re having a moment. Life is hard enough. We can’t be fighting the economy and unnecessary judgment at the same time.

Pretending to be busy when you’re not

Kenyans have perfected the art of saying “I’ll call you back”, knowing very well they won’t. Or “I’m on the way” while still in the shower. This behaviour has been passed down through generations, but 2026 should be the year we admit the truth.

It’s okay to say, “I need a minute,” or “I can’t make it.” You don’t need to create an entire movie plot every time someone asks if you’re free. Simplicity is peace.

Saving people’s contacts as ‘John Safaricom’

We all do it. Kenyans rarely save names properly. Instead, we label contacts based on the first place we met them. “Kevin Matatu,” “Lydia Landlord,” “Guy Red Jacket CBD.”

But later, when they call, we panic because we can’t remember who they are. 2025 is the year to stop these mysteries. Let’s save real names. Or at least a name that won’t confuse us into thinking “Brian Laptop” is a technician when he’s actually your cousin.

Borrowing things and forgetting to return them

Kenyans will borrow your sufuria, your pen, your umbrella, your charger and then behave like you’re the one inconveniencing them when you ask for it back. You’ll hear things like, “Ahh, si you remind me,” as if you’re the one who borrowed it.

In 2025, let’s stop this habit. Returning things builds trust, and trust saves friendships. Plus, nobody wants to keep replacing chargers every two weeks.

Turning every meet-pp into a photoshoot

A simple hangout in 2024 became a full production, angles, retakes, boomerangs, and “wait, take one more.” Sometimes you just want to eat chips without worrying about being in the background of someone’s Instagram story.

For 2025, let’s enjoy moments without feeling pressured to document every second. If you must take photos, at least keep them short. Life is better when we live it, not just pose for it.

Here’s to lighter, happier habits in 2025.

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