Wee Mzee Jipange: When Chris Kirubi Showed Us How To Plan For Drinking Sprees, Impulse Buying

The late Chris Kirubi was a titan in business and a man whose charisma and philosophy on life transcended boardrooms. Known for his straightforward advice, Kirubi’s approach to wealth management and personal indulgence was both practical and relatable.

In one of his memorable lessons, Kirubi flipped the script on impulse buying and overindulgence, challenging us to rethink how we plan for life’s pleasures—whether it’s a drinking spree or splurging on luxuries.

A Mindset Shift About Money

Kirubi emphasized the importance of mindset when it comes to wealth. He often stated that the way you perceive money significantly impacts your ability to earn and manage it.

“Look at it this way,” he said. “If you believe that money is bad or having lots of it is bad, chances are you may be undermining your own efforts to get it. But if you believe money is good and will help you achieve a lot, the real question is: What are you doing about it?”

His advice was clear—stop whining about the lack of opportunities and start taking positive action. It’s not enough to dream about wealth; you need a deliberate, well-thought-out plan to make it happen.

The Power of Planning

For Kirubi, planning was non-negotiable. Whether managing a business empire or indulging in life’s pleasures, having a plan was vital. He encouraged people to confront their spending habits honestly.

“If you know you spend Ksh.10,000 monthly on alcohol or other pleasures, don’t pretend you don’t,” he advised. “Plan for it, and life becomes simpler. You won’t have to explain yourself when people see you spending money.”

Kirubi’s logic was that by planning for indulgences, you eliminate guilt and maintain financial control. Working with a budget was at the core of his philosophy. A budget, he said, isn’t just about cutting costs but about creating a balanced spending plan that includes savings, debt repayment, basic needs, and yes—pleasures like drinking or buying a new gadget.

The Honest Truth About Spending

Honesty was a recurring theme in Kirubi’s financial lessons. He urged individuals to confront their financial weaknesses, whether it was impulse buying or the need to keep up appearances.

“Identify your weaknesses and challenge the negative patterns that cause you harm,” he said. “For me, it’s quality clothes, shoes, and cars. I don’t take fancy holidays, but I reward myself in ways that matter to me because I plan for it.”

This level of self-awareness, he argued, is the foundation of wealth management. By understanding your financial habits and creating a plan around them, you can enjoy life’s luxuries without sabotaging your financial goals.

Confronting Financial Temptations

Kirubi was also a firm believer in challenging the status quo—both in business and in personal finance. Drawing inspiration from Richard Templer’s The Rules of Life, he emphasized the importance of confronting financial temptations head-on.

“If you’re serious about making money, you need the courage to confront and control your financial temptations,” he said. “Effect changes at home or work, be innovative, and challenge your perceptions of money.”

This courage, he believed, was the key to creating lasting wealth and enjoying the fruits of your labor without regrets.

Attitude is Everything

At the heart of Kirubi’s teachings was the idea that your attitude toward money determines your financial success. He urged people to embrace flexibility, adapt to changing circumstances, and take deliberate steps to improve their financial health.

“Change your attitude about money; take a step to create those changes, and you’ll see a difference,” he said.

Lessons for All

Chris Kirubi’s philosophy on managing wealth and indulgences is a timeless lesson in financial discipline. His pragmatic approach teaches us that wealth is not about deprivation but about planning, honesty, and a positive attitude. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day or planning for a night out, the late business mogul’s wisdom serves as a reminder that life’s pleasures are best enjoyed when they’re part of a well-crafted plan.

So, the next time you’re tempted to indulge, remember Kirubi’s advice: Plan for it.