This archive report was first published on 31 August 2021.
The African tradition of black tax, where the firstborn child is expected to financially support their family members, has been a topic of discussion in recent years.
According to sociologist Loice Noo, the value and appreciation of an individual are tied to the standards required of them, such as going to school and passing exams. When they start working, they acquire an identity based on their job and the resources that come with it.
However, this identity stage can conflict with the stage of life where parents may need help or want to give back to society, often resulting in financial burdens on the firstborn.
University of Nairobi economics lecturer Joy Kiiru notes that the dependence on the firstborn is a social norm that has taken a toll on Kenyans, particularly in the absence of job opportunities and a strong social welfare system.
She suggests that Kenyans need to have a candid discussion on how to change the black tax culture, which has denied the middle class the opportunity to spend and save as they would.
With the rise of mobile money transfers and social media platforms, it has become easier for people to send money to those in need, but it has also increased the pressure on the firstborn to provide financial support.
As sociologist Moses Mutua puts it, 'At the end of the day, we are still Africans. And as Africans, whether you are learned or not, people will always want something from you.'
The Government has attempted to reduce this dependence by introducing a cash transfer programme for the elderly, with plans to craft another programme for unemployed youth and women.
