How Nakuru man bought land after saving Sh200 daily

It’s often said that life begins at 40. For Charles Obonyo, this statement took on a whole new meaning.

While many interpret it as a time for reflection or reinvention, for Obonyo, it marked the moment to reignite his saving culture.

He narrates how he got his first stipend in August 2018 after years of volunteering in his community since 2006. For the first time in years, he had a steady income.

“I wondered what I could do with the money," he recalls. "I discussed it with my wife, and one evening I asked, 'What if we saved Sh. 200 a day from this money?”

Obonyo admits that his wife was doubtful, questioning whether they could save enough to buy land, something that had been their long-term goal.

"It sounded too small, too slow, but I was determined,” Obonyo says enthusiastically.

At the time, his biggest challenge was lacking a savings community for accountability.

While continuing his community work, he approached a group of bodaboda riders who had formed a Sacco to help them save.

Although he didn’t own a motorcycle, they welcomed him because of his community involvement. He bought two shares worth Sh. 200 each, marking the start of his journey.

“Within a month, I saved Sh. 6,000. After a year, it upped to around Sh. 72,000. At the time, I didn’t see how it would amount to much, but I knew consistency would make the difference. Over the years, that small daily savings grew steadily," he says.

The Sacco invested in land through a local bank. By January 2025, Obonyo had raised over Sh. 430,000 and secured a 43 by 97 parcel of land.

This is his second time owning land.

“Some years back when I was 26, while making mandazi, I used to save Sh. 50 daily and raised Sh. 60,000. In 2006 or 2007, land value had not appreciated and I secured a 50 by 100 plot in Mzee wa Nyama,” he says proudly.

Unfortunately, Obonyo discloses to Mtaa Wangu that someone he considered a friend took it away from him.

With this great achievement, Obonyo has made it his job to spread the saving gospel.

“I tell people I meet, there’s no such thing as small money. Sh. 10 is money, and so is Sh. 50, Sh. 1,000, or even Sh. 1,000,000. Reaching that million requires discipline and small consistent efforts. I also share my journey so that others can see me as a role model and be inspired to start their own saving culture,” Obonyo concludes.