Silent mental struggles of young entrepreneurs
By Kelvin Wilson, July 16, 2025In today’s Kenya, many young people are embracing side hustles in the pursuit of financial independence and a more secure future.
From selling clothes online to running mobile money shops, the entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant.
But behind the thriving social media posts and ambitious business efforts lies a quieter, more troubling reality — one marked by burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to succeed without adequate support or guidance.
Nelliey Hope, 19 years old, runs a boutique selling women’s fashion — clothes, handbags, and shoes. She appears confident and successful, but the journey has taken a toll on her mental well-being.
“Most days, I start at 6 am. I prepare stock, post items on social media, and then head to the shop. On restocking days, I walk to Kamukunji, Gikomba, or Eastleigh, depending on what I need,” she says.
Constant pressure
Besides her boutique, Nelliey also drop ships cosmetics and kitchenware. She is assisted by a fashion designer who helps with orders, but the pressure of entrepreneurship is constant.
At home, Nelliey takes care of her two younger siblings. A responsibility she juggles alongside her business.
“Sometimes I feel like giving up. I invest in stock, but nothing sells for days. I walk all the way to Gikomba, hoping to find something affordable, only to come back empty-handed. When customers cancel orders last minute, it’s really exhausting,” she adds
On days of demonstrations and unrest, when businesses are disrupted, the pressure builds even more. Sales drop, and anxiety creeps in.
She always wonders, what if nothing sells that day, How will she pay rent?
To cope with the stress, Nelliey often isolates herself.
“I go quiet, cry privately, and ask God to align my plans with His,” she says. “I don’t like burdening other people. I just remind myself why I started and why I have to keep going.”
People perception
She recalls one of her lowest moments. For a week, she never left the house because she felt empty. She had gone for three days without selling anything.
Despite her struggles, many people assume she’s thriving, especially on social media.
“People think I have money because of the way I post or because I run a boutique. But they don’t see the struggle behind it all. Social media often adds to the pressure. Seeing people my age driving cars or flying abroad makes me feel like I’m being left behind. But I remind myself that starting at 19 is still an achievement. My journey is valid.”
Nelliey believes that more support is needed for young entrepreneurs. The government should make therapy affordable and introduce mentorship programmes.
Even mental health talks in youth groups would help.
“We need business spaces that care about our mental well-being. And people should stop assuming we’re lazy. Society should support us emotionally — not just celebrate us when we ‘make it.’ We need encouragement now, not just when we’re rich in our 20s.”
Broader reality
Robert Asiko is another young entrepreneur. He is also a university student. He runs a petrol station and an M-Pesa shop in Kisumu.
According to him, juggling between all these strains him mentally.
“My day starts at 5 am. I open at 6 am and close at 9 pm. It’s a long day, and customers don’t always understand when there are issues, like power blackouts,” Robert says.
He also feels pressured by friends who assume he has money.
“They borrow from me, not realising I’m struggling too. It’s hard having to explain myself all the time.”
Still, Robert sees some positive impact from social media. He uses it to showcase his work and learn from others. Seeing his mentors grow gives him motivation,” he says.
But he, too, calls for change. The government, according to him, should create platforms where youth voices are heard. Many youths are working hard, but are being underpaid. Society should guide them, not just judge them.
Mental health issues
Dr Annita Musyoki, a clinical psychologist at Nairobi West Hospital, says cases of mental distress among young Kenyans are rising sharply.
According to her, there’s a notable increase in youth presenting with anxiety, depression, and burnout.
According to Mental 360, about 25 per cent of Kenyan youth struggle with mental health issues by the age of 24. Yet, 75 per cent of Kenyans lack access to professional care.
According to her, both hustle culture and social media are major triggers. Apart from that, many youths are also driven by deep-rooted family expectations.
“We’ve normalised overworking. Social media often glamorises the hustle, showing only the success, not the stress. It creates unrealistic comparisons and has exposed many young people to psychological trauma,” says Musyoki.
According to her, most are trying to escape poverty, but without mental health literacy, they end up overwhelmed.
School systems rarely talk about emotions, and that is why stigma around mental health persists.
Rethinking success
To cope, she urges youth to rethink success, redefine success and include rest. They should also set healthy boundaries and balance work with time to recover.
Additionally, they should build strong connections and, most importantly, seek help from counsellors, coaches, or mentors.
She also lists some accessible resources available in Kenya today.
“Nairobi West Hospital offers care for those who can afford it. For free support, there are 24/7 helplines like the Kenya Red Cross. There’s also growing support from NGOs and community-based programmes.”
Her final message is clear.
“Young Kenyans are carrying immense pressure, and mental health awareness is growing. But what we need now is action. Honest conversations. School programs that prioritise emotional wellness. And accessible support systems that show young people they are not alone.”