Kenyan Lady Laments Over Soaring Rents in the UK

Catherine Maina, a Kenyan woman living in the UK, has shared her concerns regarding the deteriorating state of the global economy.

This unfortunate situation has forced her to accept a meagre lifestyle, living from hand to mouth. Cate, who made the decision to move to London in hopes of finding better opportunities, is frustrated by the unyielding rental price hikes while her salary remains stagnant. Her motivation for seeking a better income in the UK was driven by her desire to provide financial support for her family, including her dependent siblings. The renal nurse who possesses more than 5 years of experience took to LinkedIn to express her sentiments.

Similar to others who have relocated from their home countries with the hope of improving their living standards, Cate was convinced that because of its dominant position in the global economy, the United Kingdom would be the perfect place to attain success and comfort. Unfortunately, much like the hardships she contended with back in Kenya, Cate’s experience in the UK has not been without its hurdles. Presently employed by the NHS, Cate now bides her time in a cramped, communal apartment with enough space for no more than four people.

Cate notes that she is fortunate as the increase in her rent was lower than the overall Retail Price Index of 13.4%. Consequently, she now has to allocate Sh.114,000 (£631) each month for a room that she humorously compares to a large coffin. She suggests that if she were to invite a friend for a sleepover, they would need to create a makeshift partition to avoid constantly bumping into each other. Cate has considered transitioning to the private sector, but her work visa currently limits her options. Additionally, she is aware that switching to the private sector does not guarantee job security.

Cate has thought about supplementing her income through agency work, but her schedule at the NHS doesn't allow for it. She has also considered reducing her hours, but her skilled worker's visa limits her options and decisions. This realization puts her in a tight spot as she contemplates taking a calculated career move.

In a previous video on her YouTube channel, Catherine Maina disclosed the stark contrast in pay between nurses in the UK and their counterparts in more developed nations. She also shed light on the substantial rise in tax rates within the UK. She went on to express her dissatisfaction at possibly leaving a subsistence lifestyle in her native country, only to encounter a similar circumstance in her newfound home.

“I could reduce my NHS hours to make time for agency work but I am in the UK under a skilled worker’s visa which means I am tied by its regulations. So until I one day manage to become independent as far as my immigration status goes, I’m stuck.” She said.