For many young people, life at university is filled with aspirations, dreams, and, at times, financial struggles. Some students work part-time jobs to make ends meet, while others find themselves drawn into a more controversial means of survival, transactional sponsorship.
This arrangement, where a ‘sponsor,’ mostly men, provide financial or material benefits in exchange for companionship or other forms of engagement, has become a growing trend among female students. But beneath the surface of glitz and glamour, what drives young people into this world, and what are the consequences? Students at Mount Kenya University share their experiences and perspectives.
Gemimah Ishimwe a student at Mount Kenya University she is in year three studying mass media and communication, admits that while she does not engage in transactional sponsorship, she understands why some do.
“Life as a student can be tough. Rent, tuition, and daily expenses add up quickly,” she says. “Some people see it as an easy way out. If someone is willing to sponsor you and all they want is companionship, some think, why not?”
Ishimwe does not see transactional sponsorship as inherently wrong. “Everyone involved knows what they’re getting into. It’s an agreement between two consenting adults. Some girls want luxury, and some men are willing to provide it. To them, it’s just another way of survival.”
However, not all stories have happy endings. Angelica Mukundwa, another student, strongly opposes the practice, citing deep emotional and psychological consequences.
“I had a friend who got involved in this,” she recalls. “At first, it was exciting: fancy dinners, expensive gifts, weekend trips. But it came with a cost. She became emotionally drained and lost herself. The money and gifts couldn’t replace her self-worth.”
Mukundwa believes many students fall into this trap due to peer pressure. “Some girls see their friends living lavishly and want the same, but they don’t know the pain behind the glamour. Some of these men are married, making it worse. It’s not just about money it’s about dignity.”
The debate over ‘sponsors’ continues, with students split between necessity and morality. While some see it as a means of financial stability, others warn of the lasting consequences.
Mukundwa believes many students fall into this trap due to peer pressure. “Some girls see their friends living lavishly and want the same, but they don’t know the pain behind the glamour. Some of these men are married, making it worse. It’s not just about money, it’s about dignity.”
The debate over ‘sponsors’ continues, with students split between necessity and morality. While some see it as a means of financial stability, others warn of the lasting consequences.
For many, the biggest challenge is finding alternative ways to survive financially. “I wish there were more student job opportunities,” Mukundwa adds. “If young people had stable sources of income, they wouldn’t have to make such difficult choices.”
A systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing 32 studies with over 108,000 participants across Sub-Saharan Africa found a pooled prevalence of transactional sex among women at approximately 12.55%. Notably, in Kenya, the prevalence was reported at 78%, indicating a significant concern. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address the underlying socio-economic factors driving these practices.
In rural South Africa, research indicates that 14% of sexually active young women engaged in transactional sex, which was associated with a higher risk of HIV infection. The study suggests that these relationships often involve partners from high-risk sexual networks, underscoring the importance of structural interventions to reduce HIV risk among young women, especially university students.
At the end of the day, students facing financial hardship are left with an important question: Is this worth it? The promise of a luxurious lifestyle may be tempting, but for many, the true cost is far greater than the rewards.
