Photo Used for Illustration Purposes Only. Credit: arcady_31
Urban lifestyles continue to reshape how young professionals spend their income in Nairobi’s fast-paced economy.
From freelance work to side hustles, disposable earnings are increasingly being directed toward leisure, wellness, and social experiences, reflecting shifting attitudes on work-life balance, peer influence, and personal choices in city life.
A Nairobi man, Giddy Akali, who claims to be a staunch SDA adherent has narrated a candid and somewhat controversial experience he says he went through after visiting a massage parlour in Roysambu, Nairobi, influenced by friends who frequently talked about the place and the money they made.
According to him, what started as curiosity quickly turned into a moment of moral reflection after he encountered a situation he says made him uncomfortable and ultimately walk away.
He now looks back at the incident as a turning point that made him rethink his choices and friendships.
He explains that most of his friends at the time were writers and freelancers who bragged about earning up to 20,000 shillings a day.
From that money, they would reportedly set aside a few thousand to visit massage parlours in Roysambu, which they described as places offering both relaxation and “extra services.” Giddy says he often felt left out, especially because he was single, not going out frequently, and simply watching others enjoy life while he worked and saved.
“At some point I used to feel like I was being left behind. My friends were making money and enjoying life. They would tell me they are going for massage and coming back ‘recharged’. I started feeling like maybe I was the one overthinking life,” he said.
One day, after making about 27,000 shillings from writing work, he says a friend pushed him to try the experience. Curious, he searched online and found listings advertising different women and “packages” that included overnight stays.
He decided to give it a try, paying around 6,000 shillings, expecting just a massage and relaxation experience.
He arrived at a dimly lit room with scented air and was welcomed warmly by staff, which initially made him comfortable and relaxed.
“I remember thinking this is just like a spa, nothing serious. The reception was very calm, they were calling me sweet names, and I started relaxing immediately,” he recalled.
However, as the session progressed, he says things became uncomfortable when he was allegedly offered services beyond a normal massage.
According to him, he was pressured in a way that made him uneasy. Giddy says that despite the environment and persuasion from the attendants, he chose to decline and insisted that he only wanted the massage he had paid for.
He describes a moment of internal conflict before deciding to leave the establishment entirely rather than continue with what he felt was inappropriate.
“That’s when I realized I was not comfortable at all. I told them clearly I only wanted the massage I paid for. I felt pressured and decided it was better I just leave,” he said.
He says he paid the bill and walked out, describing the experience as a wake-up call. Since then, he claims he has avoided such establishments in Roysambu and instead focuses on his work and personal discipline.
“I just picked my things, paid and left. I told myself I can’t be in that environment. That day changed how I see certain things,” he added.
Looking back, Giddy says the influence of peers can easily push someone into situations they are not prepared for.
He now reflects on the incident as a lesson about boundaries, choices, and staying true to personal values despite external pressure. He adds that many young people should be careful about peer pressure in Nairobi’s fast-paced lifestyle.