Spending Ksh 500,000 VS deploying Ksh 500,000 into a productive asset...
The first transaction may give you something you consume. The second can potentially give you an asset that generates income, appreciates in value or participates in economic growth.
Ownership is what creates another channel through which a person can participate in the economy. Owning shares means participating in the ownership of companies. Owning a rental property creates exposure to rental income and property values. Owning a business creates an interest in the profits and future value of that enterprise.
This does not mean productive assets are guaranteed to make money. They carry risks, and some investments perform poorly.
Power of compound interest.
A 10% return (e.g. Sh1 million) will double your money in 7 years (Sh2 million)
4x in 14 years (Sh4 million)
8x in 21 years (Sh8 million)
16x in 28 years (Sh16 million)
32x in 35 years (Sh32 million)
All this while doing nothing.