Source: Original
Linah Mwaluma, a mother of three from Mombasa, recently came back to Kenya after working in Saudi Arabia for two years. Her story highlights both the challenges and unexpected outcomes that many face when working abroad.
Mwaluma's decision to work in Saudi Arabia was driven by the hope of better financial stability for her family. She took up a job as a domestic worker, which required her to leave her children behind in Kenya. While the decision was tough, she believed it was necessary for a brighter future.
Her time in Saudi Arabia was filled with mixed experiences. Fortunately, she had a positive relationship with her employer. Unlike some horror stories of mistreatment that often surface, Mwaluma’s employer was kind and generous.
They even celebrated her birthday, an occasion she had never marked in Kenya. She was granted access to their Wi-Fi and allowed to keep her phone, which helped her stay connected with her family back home. These small gestures made her stay more bearable and highlighted the potential for positive experiences abroad.
After completing her two-year contract, Mwaluma prepared to return to Kenya. Her employer appreciated her hard work and dedication, and as a token of gratitude, they gave her a significant amount of money.
Upon conversion to Kenyan shillings, the amount came to KSh 500,000, which is a substantial sum. With this money, Mwaluma hoped to make meaningful improvements in her life and the lives of her children.
However, the process of returning home was not straightforward. Mwaluma had to wait for her identification card (ID) to expire in Saudi Arabia before she could book her flight.
This delay extended her stay by a few extra months, but she continued to work during this period, ensuring she had a smooth transition back to Kenya.
Upon returning to Mombasa, Mwaluma converted the money she received from her employer. She was now ready to use it for her family's needs and possibly invest in something that would secure their future.
But things did not go as planned. Mwaluma soon realized that the money was disappearing faster than she expected. Despite not indulging in any extravagant spending or drinking, the KSh 500,000 was gone before she knew it.
Mwaluma admitted that she could not account for how the money was spent. It seemed to vanish without being used for any significant purchases or investments.
Reflecting on this, she explained that she was naturally a generous person. She often gave money to friends and relatives who asked for help. This habit of being a cheerful giver, although commendable, contributed to the rapid depletion of her savings.
"I didn't do anything with the money," she said. "I just realized it was finished. I wasn't a drunkard; I didn't buy anything significant. The money was just gone."
Her generosity, while a positive trait, became a financial pitfall. She often lent money to whoever asked for it, unable to refuse anyone in need. This led to her savings being gradually chipped away without any tangible benefits or investments to show for it.
Mwaluma's story is not unique. Many Kenyans working abroad face similar challenges when managing their earnings upon returning home.
Another woman, Hellen Wanjiku from Laikipia, had a similar experience. Wanjiku worked in Saudi Arabia and saved diligently. However, when she returned home, she entrusted her savings to her husband, hoping to invest the money together.
Unfortunately, every time she proposed an investment idea, her husband opposed it. Eventually, she discovered that the KSh 300,000 she had saved was completely spent, leaving her with nothing.
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