In a viral TikTok video, the young woman urged parents to pay closer attention to their daughters’ financial needs, warning that insufficient support pushes some students into relationships with much older men.
The student, dressed in her KMTC uniform, explained that many girls are forced into these relationships to meet basic needs such as food, rent, and school supplies. “If you know what they are going through, you would not be proud of them—or yourself.
How can you give your child KSh 1,000 and expect them to survive a whole semester?” she asked, adding that some parents seem unaware of the hardships their children face.
The video, however, drew mixed reactions. Some Kenyans argued that students must learn to hustle, just as previous generations did.
Dan Singh shared, “When I was in college, I sold sweets and made KSh 300 a day to survive.” Others noted that responsible budgeting and part-time work can help students manage even limited funds.
Meanwhile, TikTokers have also warned young women about the dangers of dating older men for financial gain, citing cases where such relationships have ended tragically.
The discussion highlights the delicate balance between parental support and student independence, as well as the risks faced by young people navigating financial pressures in college.