When Numbers Break: Facing Financial Strains

A tragedy unfolded in Kisumu this week. Hannington Juma Raburu, a civil engineer, died by suicide after visiting the Kenya Revenue Authority offices. Reports say he was facing a KSh 300 million tax demand. He parked his car and handed the keys to a guard for his son. Moments later, he jumped from the second floor of the Lake Basin Mall.

It was a quiet and devastating act, but it speaks volumes.

Weight of a Ledger

Debt isn’t on paper. It creeps into the minds. Has kept people up at night. It turns confident professionals into anxious ones. When the numbers don’t add up, it isn’t just a financial crisis; it’s an emotional one.

In a country where economic pressure is mounting, stories like Juma’s are likely to be common. They shouldn’t be. No one should feel so cornered by money that death feels like the only way out.

Let’s Talk About It

We need to talk about financial stress the same way we talk about physical health. With honesty. With empathy and with zero shame.

If you’re in debt, you’re not alone. Many families are juggling loans, taxes, school fees, and rising costs. The pressure is real. Silence doesn’t help. Talking to a trusted friend, a financial advisor, or even a counselor can be a step towards relief.

The System Needs a Soul

Institutions like the KRA have a job to do. But systems must remember the people inside them. A tax bill isn’t just a number. It’s a livelihood. A legacy. There must be room for dialogue, for flexibility, for humanity.

When enforcement feels like punishment, people lose hope. And hope is the one thing we can’t afford to tax.

What We Can Do

If you’re struggling:

Ask for help: Talk to someone. Anyone. You don’t have to bear it alone.

Get clarity: Understand your financial situation.

Seek advice: Some professionals can help you negotiate, restructure, or plan your way out.

Protect your peace: Your worth is not your wallet. You are more than your balance sheet.

If you’re not struggling:

Check in on others: Especially those who seem “strong.” They might be carrying more than you know.

Advocate for change: Push for systems that support, not just enforce.

Beyond That

Juma’s story is heartbreaking. It is also a wake-up call. We need to build a culture where financial hardship isn’t a death sentence. Where asking for help is seen as a strength. Where systems serve people, not the other way around.

Behind every tax, every loan, every overdue notice, there’s a human being. That’s who we need to protect first.

Also Read: 5 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances