Linah Mwaluma, a mother of three from Mombasa, has shared her experience after returning home from Saudi Arabia, where she worked for two years. Upon her return, she received KSh 500,000 from her boss, but she struggled to account for how she spent it.
Life in Saudi Arabia
Mwaluma praised her boss for being kind and allowing her to use her phone and access Wi-Fi. She noted that she worked extra months after her contract ended, waiting for her identification card to expire before returning home. Her boss even celebrated her birthday, an experience she had never had in Kenya.
Struggling with Expenses
Despite the substantial amount of money she received, Mwaluma admitted that she did not spend it wisely. “I didn’t do anything meaningful with it or buy anything. I just converted the money, and it was slowly finished,” she said. She emphasized that she wasn't a drinker and attributed the depletion of her funds to her generous nature. Mwaluma often lent money to friends and family, unable to turn anyone away who asked for help.
A Cautionary Tale
Mwaluma's experience serves as a cautionary tale for many who return from abroad with money. It highlights the importance of budgeting and planning for how to use funds wisely. In a related story, another woman from Laikipia entrusted her husband with KSh 300,000 she saved from her job in Saudi Arabia, only to discover later that the money had been spent without any investment made.
Conclusion
Mwaluma’s story reflects the challenges many face upon returning from work abroad, where expectations of financial stability may not align with reality. Her willingness to help others, while admirable, serves as a reminder to prioritize personal financial management
