Kevin Okwara, an entrepreneur and coach, is known for his candid reflections on wealth, success, and the importance of financial wisdom. In a heartfelt recount of his own journey, Kevin shares the mistakes and lessons learned from his early years of prosperity and a fast-paced social life dominated by car enthusiasts.
Three years after graduating university, Kevin had achieved his first million. Surrounded by friends who were just as obsessed with luxury cars as he was, he found himself acquiring more vehicles for display than for necessity. His compound was crammed with four cars, each one newer and more expensive than the last, and the pursuit of a distinguished number plate was a constant source of competition. The idea of budgeting for fuel or maintenance was foreign to him. To Kevin, his wealth represented freedom, not responsibility. The cars became symbols of his success, and the thought of investing in something more enduring—like land—seemed unappealing at the time.
A particular moment stands out from this era. A friend, eager to offer sound advice, suggested Kevin invest in land in Kahawa Sukari, where half an acre was selling for a mere 250k. It seemed too costly to Kevin then, who was more inclined to invest in the tangible thrill of cars. A few months later, Kevin bought a 405 GTX for 1.5M, only to encounter engine problems shortly after. Within just four months, he sold it for a loss of 650k. Looking back, he reflects that had he chosen to invest in that half-acre of land in Kahawa Sukari, it would have yielded an enormous return by now.
Kevin acknowledges the power of choice, urging others to follow their own paths. However, he also emphasizes that true wealth goes beyond flashy displays. He believes that it’s crucial to understand the purpose of wealth and to build assets that provide long-term security. While he has no issue with anyone purchasing a luxury home, Kevin emphasizes that one must always consider whether they have the income to sustain it. He shares the story of a friend living in a grand, six-bedroom home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. With all his children now living abroad, the house remains empty, and the property suffers from neglect. Despite the opulence, his friend cannot even rent out the space. For Kevin, it’s a poignant reminder of how an expensive property can end up costing more than it’s worth when it's not generating income.
His perspective on housing as an investment is clear: it should not be the priority. For years, Kevin lived in a modest two-bedroom home, finding comfort in simplicity. He stresses that building a home is important, but it should be done thoughtfully. Investing in shares of a reputable company or diversifying wealth through more lucrative assets should take precedence. He believes young men with wealth should seek guidance from experienced and successful individuals to avoid making the same costly mistakes.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Kevin recalls how quickly money can vanish. It's easy to feel invincible when wealth is abundant, but without the right financial strategy, it can all slip away, leaving only regret. The lessons he learned were hard-earned and, in many cases, costly. Now, as a coach, Kevin's mission is to pass on those lessons, so others don’t have to learn them the hard way.
Through his story, Kevin Okwara offers a powerful message to today’s young entrepreneurs: the true key to success lies in knowledge and wisdom, not in the fleeting allure of status symbols. True wealth is built on smart investments, not on keeping up with the latest trends.