Love under pressure: TIFA report paints picture of how cost of living is affecting couples
By Trizer Lijondo, September 9, 2026For many Kenyan couples, conversations about love are increasingly being accompanied by conversations about money. Rent, food, transport, household bills and family responsibilities are putting pressure on budgets, forcing partners to reconsider how they spend, share responsibilities and maintain their relationships.
The financial strain is reflected in a recent TIFA survey released on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, which found that 64 per cent of Kenyans say their economic conditions have worsened since the 2022 election.
While the finding captures the broader economic mood in the country, its effects can also be felt in relationships, where financial difficulties can influence everyday choices and expectations.
Balancing low pay and love
A new TIFA Research survey has raised questions about whether Kenyan households are experiencing meaningful improvements in salaries and income, with only 11 per cent reporting monthly earnings above Ksh50,000.
The findings show that household income levels have remained largely unchanged across recent surveys, while employment levels have declined and a majority of Kenyans say their economic situation has worsened since 2022.
The report shows that 23 per cent of households earn below Ksh10,000 per month, while 20 per cent earn between Ksh10,000 and Ksh19,999.
Another 17 per cent earn between Ksh20,000 and Ksh29,999, while 12 per cent earn between Ksh30,000 and Ksh39,999, pushing some of them to look for side hustles.
Only 6 per cent reported monthly incomes between Ksh40,000 and Ksh49,999. At the higher end, 4 per cent earn between Ksh50,000 and Ksh59,999, another 4 per cent earn between Ksh60,000 and KSh99,999; and just 1 per cent earn Ksh100,000 or more.
When bills become part of the relationship
For couples sharing a home, rising expenses can mean difficult conversations about who pays for what.
A household budget that once comfortably covered rent, groceries, electricity and transport may now leave little money for entertainment, holidays or other extras. Partners may have to adjust their spending or divide expenses differently, particularly when one person earns significantly more than the other.
For couples who are dating, financial pressure can also affect expectations around paying for meals, buying gifts or organising outings.
The traditional expectation that one partner should shoulder most of the financial responsibility may become harder to maintain when incomes are stretched.
Rethinking what romance costs
As finances become tighter, couples may also be redefining what counts as a good date.
An expensive restaurant meal or weekend getaway may be replaced by cooking together, watching a movie at home, taking a walk or finding free activities around the city.
For some couples, these changes can provide an opportunity to focus more on companionship rather than spending power. A thoughtful gesture or quality time may become more meaningful than an expensive gift.
Social media, however, can make this adjustment difficult. Pictures of lavish dates, surprise trips and expensive gifts can create expectations that are increasingly difficult for ordinary couples to match.
Communication becomes key
Financial pressure does not automatically mean the end of a relationship, but poor communication about money can create tension.
Couples may need to be more open about their financial priorities, responsibilities and limitations instead of allowing assumptions to build resentment.
The TIFA finding that nearly two-thirds of Kenyans feel worse off economically highlights how widespread the pressure has become. For couples, navigating that reality may require a shift in how they understand partnership.
In an increasingly expensive environment, love may not be about who can spend the most. It may be about how two people communicate, compromise and support each other when there is less money to go around.