On Tuesday, September 17th, we held yet another engaging Coffee Bar Tuesday session at the MuYI Hub, where 24 vibrant young minds gathered to debate one of the most essential questions of our time: Which matters most for success in life—money, talent, or education? As expected, the discussion was full of diverse opinions, heated exchanges, and some insightful reflections on what it means to succeed in the modern world, especially in Kenya.

Defining Success: A Complex Conversation

One of the first topics that arose was how we define success. Is it wealth? Prestige? Fulfillment? The participants quickly realized that success means different things to different people.

One memorable quote from the session was:

• “With talent, you can sit with kings and get into places where education or money can’t take you.” This sentiment resonated with many who believed that natural ability and hard work can open doors, even in spaces dominated by money or academic credentials.

However, another participant reminded the group of the power of wealth:

• “People like Elon Musk can access anything they want and influence a lot due to their wealth.” This sparked a conversation about the role of money in the modern world and how having financial power often means you can shape your own opportunities and those of others.

The Kenyan Context: Corruption and Influence

When discussing these three pillars of success in Kenya, the conversation inevitably touched on the topic of corruption. Many young people present expressed the view that in Kenya, money can open almost any door, legal or not. One participant pointed to sports as an example, where “many Kenyan athletes have had to part with bribes to get slots in international competitions or even the national teams.” It was a sobering moment in the discussion, showing how deeply entrenched the influence of money can be in shaping not just success, but access to opportunities in Kenya.

Despite this, the group agreed that there is one domain where money can’t always buy success—talent. If you’re truly exceptional at something, there comes a point where no amount of money can rob you of your rightful place. As one participant put it:

• “You have to be really good at what you do—so good that no one else can bribe their way in to take your position.” This belief in the power of talent over corruption gave the group some hope, especially in fields like the arts, athletics, and entertainment, where skills and abilities often speak louder than financial influence.

The Role of Education: More Than Just Degrees

Education also found its place in the conversation, with participants recognizing its multifaceted importance. While formal education was viewed as crucial for many professional careers, there was also a strong emphasis on street education—the informal learning that comes from experience, networking, and life lessons.

A great example shared during the session was of Nameless, one of Kenya’s most celebrated artists. Though he is a trained architect by profession, it is his talent in music that has propelled him to stardom and opened countless doors. This illustrates how talent, when fully harnessed, can become a powerful force, even if it wasn’t the initial career path.

One consensus that emerged was that while money can get you into many spaces, education is what helps you sustain your wealth. Several participants mentioned that having knowledge—both formal and informal—helps you manage your resources and avoid exploitation. Knowing the “ins and outs” of your field, whether you’re a businessperson, athlete, or artist, is vital in making sure that your money and talent work for you in the long run.

Talent, Money, and Education: An Interplay of Influence

As the conversation expanded, one thing became clear: none of the three—money, talent, or education—can be entirely isolated from the others. Wealth can provide access to education and nurture talent. Education can guide you on how to grow your wealth and harness your talents. And talent can sometimes lead you to success where education or money might fall short.

But in Kenya, the influence of money on talent and education cannot be understated. Many participants agreed that opportunities are often shaped by financial resources, and corruption further amplifies this imbalance. However, the overarching belief was that with the right combination of talent, education, and smart financial management, success is achievable even in a system where money holds significant sway.

A Thought-Provoking Debate: What Really Matters?

To wrap up, the group didn’t reach a clear consensus on whether money, talent, or education is most important for success—because there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each person’s journey is unique, and the importance of these elements shifts depending on the individual and the context.

However, the debate sparked deep reflection and inspired many to think critically about how they can harness their resources—whether it’s their talent, education, or money—to navigate the complexities of modern life and make their own mark on the world.

As we continue to host these Coffee Bar Tuesday sessions, it’s clear that these conversations play a crucial role in shaping how young people in Mukuru and beyond think about their future, the world they live in, and the roles they can play in building better communities.

So, what do you think? Which matters more to you—money, talent, or education? Let us know in the comments or join us for our next session!