Content creator Chebet Ronoh has opened up about how alcohol consumption affected her career, finances and personal life, revealing that she spent a significant portion of her earnings from lucrative brand deals on drinking.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Ronoh recalled making as much as Ksh1.5 million from brand partnerships while still a young content creator.
She explained that at the time, she was among the few creators gaining attention in Kenya, making her a popular choice for companies looking to work with influencers. “In one month, I think I was doing four or five brand jobs, and it was like a 1.5 million salary,” she said.
However, the financial success came at a time when she was struggling to manage her newfound fame and the pressures that came with it.
Ronoh admitted that much of the money she earned went towards alcohol, explaining that she was also driven by a need to impress her friends and gain their approval.
“I remember a lot of my money went to alcohol. I was desperate for validation, and I wanted to prove so much to my friends. I wanted to say, I can buy for you guys this, we can do this, it’s on me,” she recalled.
Realised alcohol was affecting her behaviour
Ronoh also described how she gradually recognised that her relationship with alcohol was different from that of people around her. She observed that while some people could drink without becoming disruptive, she often struggled to control her behaviour after drinking.
“I started to notice I’m a different drinker than the rest. Some people can drink, and they’re calm. Then I started to notice, okay, I kind of go crazy,” she said. The content creator admitted that accepting she had a problem was difficult, as she initially struggled to acknowledge the effect alcohol was having on her life.
Family intervened and took her to rehabilitation
Ronoh recalled an incident when she returned home in a distressed state, prompting her brother to raise concerns with their mother about her drinking. She said her brother suggested that the family take her to rehabilitation, a decision that made her confront the seriousness of her situation.
“I remember one time I came home, and I was being very distraught. I was like really crashing out, and my brother told my mum, I think it’s time to take her to rehab,” she recalled.
Walking into the rehabilitation facility was an emotional moment for her, as she questioned whether her drinking had become so serious that her family had to decide on her behalf.
Encourages others to choose sobriety
Reflecting on her experience, Ronoh encouraged people struggling with alcohol consumption to consider sobriety and seek support. She acknowledged that the journey can be difficult but urged those considering a change to believe that life without alcohol can be fulfilling.
“Anyone who is aspiring to be sober, I’m telling you, it’s beautiful on the other side. Choose yourself,” she said.