In a story that has left many bankers in Nairobi, Kenya both amused and astonished, a Maasai businessman recently demonstrated just how sharp-witted he truly is. The man walked into a prestigious bank in the heart of Nairobi and requested to speak with the loan officer. Calmly and confidently, he explained that he would be travelling to Dubai on business for four weeks and required a small loan of just 5,000 Kenyan Shillings.
Slightly perplexed by the request, the loan officer informed the man that the bank would need some form of collateral to secure the loan. Without hesitation, the Maasai man handed over the keys to a brand-new Mercedes Benz S-Class 500, which was parked just outside the bank. He produced the log book and all necessary documentation, which upon inspection, confirmed that he was indeed the rightful owner of the luxurious vehicle — valued at an eye-popping KSh 15 million.
Though stunned, the bank agreed to hold the car as security for the 5,000 loan. The bank president and several officers found the situation quite humorous — a man offering a high-end luxury vehicle as collateral for such a modest loan seemed ridiculous. They chuckled amongst themselves, joking about the Maasai man’s supposed lack of financial knowledge.
Nonetheless, an employee was dispatched to move the Mercedes Benz into the bank’s underground parking lot, where it remained safe and untouched for the duration of the four weeks.
Exactly one month later, the Maasai man returned to Nairobi. As agreed, he repaid the 5,000 loan along with the accrued interest, which amounted to KSh 150.41. The bank processed the transaction without issue and returned the car keys and documents to the owner.
Still curious, the loan officer addressed the man respectfully, saying, “Sir, we are pleased to have had your business. This entire transaction has gone smoothly, but I must admit we are a bit puzzled. While you were away, we ran a routine check and discovered that you are, in fact, a multimillionaire. If you don’t mind us asking — why did you bother borrowing only 5,000?”
With a composed smile, the Maasai man responded, “Tell me, where else in Nairobi can I park my car safely for four weeks, and only pay 150.41 shillings, and still find it exactly where I left it?”
The bank staff were left speechless. What had seemed like a naive financial move was, in fact, a brilliant act of foresight. Not only did the Maasai man ensure the safety of his valuable car, but he also did so at a fraction of what it would cost to park in a secure facility for an entire month.
This witty story has since gone viral and continues to serve as a humorous yet insightful lesson: never underestimate the power of clever thinking — even from the most unexpected sources.
