‘They Think I’m a Bank’: UK-Based Kenyan Shares Struggle of Supporting Relatives

A Kenyan man living in the United Kingdom has spoken openly about the constant financial requests he receives from relatives in Kenya.

Adrian, who works in a restaurant kitchen, described his daily routine in a video, showing himself washing dishes, mopping floors, and emptying bins. He emphasised that his work is demanding and that his earnings are modest, challenging the common perception that working abroad guarantees financial security.

He said the pressure intensifies each month when family members call for money to cover rent, school fees, or land purchases. Many of those seeking support, he noted, have never contributed to his life abroad but expect him to provide regularly. 

“They think I am a bank, a place they can just withdraw money,” he stated, rejecting rumours in his village that his overseas job automatically means wealth.

Adrian’s experience reflects a broader challenge faced by many in the African diaspora, who often feel obligated to support extended family despite their own financial limitations. While remittances remain an important source of income for households in Kenya, the strain can be both economic and emotional.

Online responses to Adrian’s account were mixed. Some advised setting clear boundaries and limiting support to immediate family, while others encouraged prioritising personal financial stability over extended obligations.

Younger migrants are increasingly questioning the sustainability of constant financial responsibility, with some even severing family ties to relieve pressure.