Finding the money to start

The trick is to save first, not from what's left at the end of the month.

• On payday, move a fixed amount to your emergency fund before you spend anything.
• Start small enough that you won't stop: even KES 500 a week is KES 26,000 a year.
• Put windfalls in it: bonuses, side income, gifts.
• Look at your spending for one month. Most people find a few thousand shillings in eating out, airtime bundles or subscriptions they don't use.

Saving with others helps too. A savings circle keeps you accountable.