Becoming an adult in Kenya means attaining the age of 18 years and above. For youths who have just hit 18, one thing is for sure: now that you have joined the adult club, be prepared to give up your childhood freedom for serious responsibilities.
Although most youths dismiss growing up as a scam, here are five common signs that come with becoming an adult in Kenya.
Frightening Bills
Unlike in your cherished childhood, once you turn 18, you confront a different reality. When you start waking up in the middle of the night just because your tokens are over, know that adulthood has set in.
Besides confronting recurring bills like electricity, you also realize that water, food, and daily upkeep suddenly become your companions.
WhatsApp Family Groups
You never understand the annoyance of family WhatsApp groups until you hit 18. The moment you get added to a WhatsApp group by that dominating rural uncle is when it dawns on you that you are no longer a child.
Worst of all, invitations to such groups are often coupled by a tempting message, “every one in the family has already contributed ksh 5000 towards Mueni’s wedding, so you need to sent yours by the weekend.” What an ambush!
Reduced Clubbing
When you stop dashing out to Prestige Plaza for a bite and a few drinks with your guys, just know that adulthood is here to stay. As you clock 18 and above, you realise that the downsides of weekend hangovers could cost a full day of productivity.
Despite being a painful reminder of your advancing age, avoiding clubbing is always replaced by weekends at home, where Netflix and YouTube become a way of entertainment.
Marriage Dominates Your Discussions
Although most people marry many years after hitting 18, being an adult nevertheless demands serious considerations and plans for finding a suitable marriage partner. This is when most young adult start to develop qualities they would prefer in a marriage partner, and the kids they would raise. For women, singling out suitors is often the center of discussions.
Budgeting for Emergencies Only
Being 18 and above assigns new but tough responsibilities, such as foregoing impulse buying for savings. Here, as an adult, you are compelled to allocate your money to important issues like medical emergencies and investments, as opposed to partying.
Giving the Same Advice You Disputed
Whenever you start to offer others some of the life advice that you once overlooked, just know that your adulthood journey has commenced. Here, while confidently paraphrasing mantras that your seniors offered, you realize that you were just a child then, but now an adult, and on your own.
