Kenyan comedian Sammy Kioko has announced the closure of his shops and production spaces after enduring months of severe financial hardship that made it impossible to sustain operations. The popular entertainer shared the heartbreaking news with fans through a social media post, expressing gratitude and disappointment in equal measure.
“Not a Goodbye, But a See You Later”
In his emotional message, Kioko said that despite his determination to keep his businesses alive, the challenges had become insurmountable. He thanked his supporters and team members for their unwavering encouragement throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
“The worst that I was fearing is happening. It’s with a heavy heart that we’re announcing the closure of our shops and production areas. Despite our best efforts, we’ve faced significant challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue operating. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, supporters, and team members who’ve been part of this journey. Not a goodbye, but a see you later. We won’t get tired of knocking the county offices — God above everything.”
Kioko reassured fans that this was only a temporary pause and vowed to bounce back once his situation stabilizes.
Unpaid County Project Sparks Financial Struggles
According to Kioko, his financial troubles began after an unpaid county project with Machakos County. The comedian claimed he completed the project months ago but has yet to receive compensation. In recent weeks, he has been publicly appealing to county officials to settle the pending payments.
“There’s need to be paid. Anyone from Machakos County kindly help. Things are not okay. I have suffered enough,” he wrote online, drawing sympathy and outrage from fans and fellow entertainers.
His protest outside the Machakos Governor’s office drew attention to the challenges creatives face when working with government contracts — delays that can cripple small businesses dependent on consistent cash flow.
Business Collapse and Emotional Toll
The prolonged payment delay forced Kioko to make the painful decision to shut down his ventures. Over the years, he had invested heavily in his shops and production spaces, aiming to build a sustainable business beyond comedy. The closures mark a major setback for one of Kenya’s most loved entertainers, who has built a reputation for creativity and resilience in the entertainment industry.
Industry analysts note that Kioko’s case highlights the broader financial instability faced by many Kenyan creatives. Irregular payments, limited access to funding, and rising operational costs continue to stifle growth in the entertainment and production sectors.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Despite the difficult circumstances, Kioko’s message carried an optimistic tone. His phrase — “Not a goodbye, but a see you later” — reflects his determination to rebuild and return stronger once the financial dust settles.
Supporters and fellow comedians have flooded his pages with messages of encouragement, urging county officials to resolve the issue and praising Kioko for his transparency and perseverance. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Kenya’s creative entrepreneurs — and the unyielding spirit that keeps them pushing forward.
