The Most Read Money Stories of 2025 on Money254 Website

Every year, Money254 tells stories that go beyond numbers. Stories about the everyday money decisions Kenyans make, the trade-offs they live with, and the lessons that stay long after the money is gone or earned.

In 2025, our most-read stories shared one common thread: they were deeply human. From cultural expectations that quietly drain wallets to bold financial bets that did not go as planned, these articles sparked conversations, reflection, and sometimes uncomfortable honesty.

Below is a recap of some of the most-read Money254 stories of 2025, listed in no particular order. 

1. The Rising Cost of Modern Ruracios

Traditional ceremonies are meant to bring families together, but for many Kenyans in 2025, ruracios became a financial stress test.

In this widely read story, one of our contributors attended several ruracio ceremonies across the year and documented how costs have quietly ballooned. In one ceremony, a fundraising group raised over Ksh1.2 million, yet unexpected expenses kept emerging throughout the day. From fines for dance moves and penalties for being unmarried, to obligatory payments for rituals like untying the bride’s lesos, the contributor ended up spending an extra Ksh22,000 he had not planned for.

Later in the year, he was asked to contribute to another ruracio. This time, he opted out after noticing the groom continued living lavishly and partying throughout the fundraising period.

Read the full story: Ruracios Are Going Too Far; Daylight Robbery at a Friend’s Ceremony [Money & Me]

Read the full story: I Was Pressured to Contribute in My Friend’s Ruracio Group as He Led Luxury Life‍

2. He Built His Dream Mansion, Then Moved Back to Renting

Home ownership is often framed as the ultimate financial goal. But this 2025 story challenged that narrative.

Mandila spent close to Ksh8 million building his dream home in Kiserian. He moved in early in the year, excited to finally live in a house he owned. Two months later, reality set in.

Long commutes, rising fuel costs, early mornings, and the slow erosion of his social life made the experience draining. Eventually, he made a decision many Kenyans struggle to admit: he moved back to the city and started renting a modest one-bedroom apartment.

The story resonated with readers, questioning whether owning a home is always better than renting.

Read the full story: I Built My Ksh8 Million Dream House, Then Ran Back to Rent After 2 Months

3. Building a Tax-Free Empire Back Home

Formal employment is often seen as the gold standard of success. This story offered a different perspective.

After struggling to keep a stable job in Nairobi, Kim moved back to the village and started a farming business. The story, narrated by his cousin, compares life on a monthly salary in the city versus generating a largely tax-free income in rural Kenya.

The article sparked debate around dignity, income stability, and why rural hustles are still underrated despite their strong returns.

Read the full story: My Cousin's Tax Free Empire in Ushago Has Gotten Me Rethinking  My Life Choices 

4. When Your Junior at Work Turns Out to Be Your Landlord

Few money moments are as humbling as discovering your boss earns less than you, yet owns the house you live in.

In this reader-submitted story, a manager realised he was renting an apartment owned by a junior colleague who earned about Ksh100,000 less per month.

The article traced the different financial choices the two made after receiving similar bonuses years earlier. One used the money as a car down payment and took on a loan. The other invested through a SACCO and later qualified for a home loan.

The story became a powerful lesson on delayed gratification and asset-building.

Read the full story: I Just Realised My Landlord Is a Colleague Who Earns Less Than Me

5. He Sold Land to Buy a Matatu and Lost Everything

Duncan Mwanza inherited a 2-acre piece of land in Syokimau in the 1990s, long before the area became a prime real estate hub. Years later, he sold the land for Ksh500,000 and invested the money in a matatu business, despite having little experience in the sector.

The business collapsed. Overwhelmed by shame, Mwanza relocated to Mombasa. When he eventually shared his story with Money254, he was working as a gardener for the person who bought his land, now valued at over Ksh60 million.

The article struck a chord with readers navigating high-risk investments and regret.

Read the full story: I Sold My Syokimau Land to Buy a Matatu, I Now Work as a Gardener

Looking Back

These stories reminded us that money decisions are rarely just about figures on a spreadsheet. They are about culture, pressure, ambition, fear, and hope.

If you missed any of these pieces in 2025, now is a good time to revisit them. And as always, you can find more deeply Kenyan money stories on money254.co.ke.