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“Mali ni Kujipanga”: Meet OMU40 – The Fintech Start-up Making Money Talks Less Boring for Kenyan Youth

Fabian Owuor

Fabian Owuor

Let’s face it. When you hear the words “financial literacy”, your brain probably does a little eye-roll and shuts down. You imagine some suit-and-tie professor preaching about compound interest and the calculus of saving, telling you to stop buying Smokie Pasua and avocadoes, imagine how much you would save if you were only drinking turungi, tho yawa, life is also about living, you can't do that on nothing.

But what if financial literacy wasn’t dry, boring, or judgmental?
Like… instead of asking “Why are you not married? Apparently, married people save more!”

Don’t worry though — whether you’re single, dating, entangled, or fully ghosted, OMU40 is here to help you save, budget, and ball responsibly.

What if it felt more like vibing with your squad than sitting through a lecture?
Because let’s be real — nothing hits like your parents saying, “When I was your age, we used to walk from Nakuru to Nairobi every day to go to school.”

It’s wild how every generation had schools further and further away. We get it — there were no online classes back then, but honestly... couldn’t someone have just built a school a little closer?

What if it helped you get to your money goals without giving up your Friday night plans?
Because let’s be honest — saving money doesn’t mean you can’t show up and show out. It just means “pewa kila mtu in the club” might not be the best idea... no matter what generation you’re in.

Ball responsibly, people.

Introducing (kuomoa as in kuomoka)OMU40 – One Million Under 40, the fintech start-up with one mission: To make one million young Kenyans under the age of 40 financially free (of their parents, they can leave your house at 18 on the dot), wise, and wallet-ready.

We’re not here to shame you for spending KSh 500 on Pizza Friday or buying yet another pair of sneakers. I myself need a pair of jordans every quarter. We’re here to teach you how to do that... and still have savings, investments, and future plans like the mogul you’re meant to be.

So, what are we doing differently?

1. Workshops and Webinars – But Make Them Fun

Forget boring seminars. OMU40 brings you interactive webinars and real-life workshops packed with vibes — we’re talking relatable content, real-life money fails (and wins), memes that hit too close to home, and yes… even the occasional giveaway to soften the blow of adulting.

You’ll learn how to budget, save, invest, and survive January (aka Njaanuary) like a seasoned pro who knew December wasn't that deep.

2. Online Courses You’ll Actually Want to Finish

Bite-sized, engaging, and straight to the point.
Think of it as the TikTok version of financial courses — quick, helpful, zero jargon, and yes… we’ve sprinkled in some jokes to keep you awake.

And the best part? They're free or hella affordable. So maybe binge this instead of another Netflix series — your future self will thank you (and maybe even send you M-PESA).

3. Peer-to-Peer Education – Because Nobody Wants a Lecture

We train young, relatable financial mentors (aka “Mali Ambassadors”) to spread the gospel of smart money moves.
Because let’s be honest — it hits different when the advice is coming from someone who also just cleared campus and knows the real struggle (like surviving on ugali and vibes).

Sometimes generational advice can be... a lot.
"At your age, I had two houses and a Mercedes-Benz."
Yawa, that’s not inspiration — that’s pressure.

4. Money Challenges with Clout

Want a reason to save money? Join our OMU40 Challenges — whether it’s “Save KSh 100 a Day”, “Budget Like a Bae”, or “No Impulse Buying for 30 Days,” we turn saving into a game you actually want to play.

We reward progress with real goodies — think data bundles, M-PESA boosts, maybe even scholarships. Yep, we’re that serious.

Because let’s face it — there’s more to life than sausage pasua and soda.

5. Budgeting Tools That Won’t Confuse Your Auntie

OMU40 recommends (and even builds!) easy-to-use apps and budgeting tools that don’t require a PhD in Finance to figure out.

You’ll finally see exactly where your money is going — and yes, your late-night Jumia orders will be fully exposed.
Time to face the difference between what you need and what you convince yourself you need at 2AM, never buy things when the cats are running around.

6. Financial Literacy Clubs – Like Drama Club, But for Money

Whether you're in uni or just chilling in your hood, you can join — or even start — an OMU40 Club where young people discuss, debate, and dive into real money talk. Topics like:
“Salaries vs Side Hustles” or “Can Crypto Pay My Rent?” hit different when it’s your peers breaking it down.

It’s fun, informative, and hey — it might even land you a gig.

Because let’s be real: the future of work (yes, even for doctors, lawyers, and accountants) is the gig economy.
Skynet is coming for the 9–5. Resistance is futile.

7. Guest Speakers – From Broke to Balling

Ever wanted to ask a successful entrepreneur how they really made it?
We bring them straight to you. No filters, no fluff — just real talk from people who started with vibes and vision and turned it into something big.

One-on-one sessions with the minds making moves in your community — think retirement advice from Uhunye, Khaligraph dropping bars about hustling from Kayole to Forbes, or This Is Ess before when she was becoming Ess (this is gonna be Ess).

Basically, inspiration with receipts.

8. Mobile Apps with Financial Wisdom (and No Ads Every 3 Seconds)

We promote and partner with apps that actually help you grow your money and track your goals.
If it’s not helpful, we don’t touch it. Full stop.

That pata potea app planning to move roadside “quick money” on-chain?
Still a scam — just with better branding and a crypto wallet.

9. School and Community Collabos – From the Streets to the Dorms

We’re building collaborations with schools, colleges, youth orgs, and even your mama mboga. We believe everyone deserves to understand money, no matter where they are.

10. Mentorship Programs – Your Personal Money Plug

OMU40 pairs you with experienced mentors who can help you avoid the common financial mistakes we all make. Think of it like having a financially responsible older sibling… without the lectures or unsolicited relationship advice.

11. Social Media Campaigns – Because We Know You’re Scrolling

We’re running monthly awareness campaigns online — from “Savings September” to “Investment April” — packed with memes, reels, Q&As, and giveaways to keep you both informed and entertained. Because who says learning about money can’t be as fun as scrolling through TikTok?

12. Win Scholarships for Being Financially Smart

Did we mention we reward good financial habits? 💸
OMU40 scholarships and grants are up for grabs for youth who show consistency in budgeting, saving, and financial growth. Be smart with your money, and who knows — it might just pay your school fees!

Free us, free you. Because financial freedom is the ultimate flex.

13. Community Workshops – Learning Doesn’t Stop After School

We’re bringing financial education to churches, community halls, and even boda sheds.
Why? Because knowledge is power — and your wallet deserves some serious gains.

That influencer career you’re dreaming of. Show them you can handle money and watch them hit "follow."

14. Money Games – Not Monopoly, But Close

Board games and digital simulations make learning money fun.
Learn how to budget, invest, and hustle through virtual games — without the risk of going broke. No rocket science, just straight-up fun education.

It's like Monopoly, but with less drama and more financial wisdom.

So, What’s the Big Dream?

Simple. We want one million young Kenyans under 40 to be financially confident, smart, and empowered.

The game of money is about making the most you can and losing as little of it as possible and creating a future for those who come after you, so they can live lavishly and hang a picture of you on their walls and call you the 1st.

We call it “Mali ni Kujipanga” – because your money isn’t just about today. It’s about your tomorrow.

So, whether you’re a high school student, a fresh campus grad, a hustler with five side gigs, or an upcoming CEO of your own vibe – OMU40 is your financial partner.

Click on the link and free yourself @OMU40KE

One Million Under 40 (OMU40) - Apps on Google Play

Sign up for a challenge.
Attend a session.
Change your financial life.

Because “kuomoka” starts with knowledge. And the knowledge can be found on OMU40. Treat your money like your crush — give it attention, don’t chase it recklessly, and don’t let it ghost you.

“Mali ni Kujipanga”: Meet OMU40 – The Fintech Start-up Making Money Talks Less Boring for Kenyan Youth