Sarah Mtalii gifts her son a horse

Austin Mtalii has officially joined his teenage years, and his 13th birthday was marked with a gift that broke away from the usual tech-driven trends.

Instead of gadgets, his mother, Sarah Mtalii—the Managing Director of Bonfire Adventures—surprised him with a majestic black horse. The celebration took place in a serene, green outdoor setting, where Austin was photographed beaming in a bright yellow hoodie beside his mother, who wore a denim dress paired with white boots.

A Thoughtful Digital Detox

Sarah revealed that the unconventional gift was intentional, aimed at encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle. She explained that she wanted her son to spend less time on screens and more time outdoors.

“I gifted him a black horse to keep him off gadgets. Teenagers can also enjoy forest hikes and stay off gadgets on weekends,” she shared.

At a time when many teenagers opt for gaming consoles or smartphones, the horse represents a shift toward physical activity, nature, and meaningful experiences. Sarah described spending time in the forest as both refreshing and grounding.

Learning Responsibility and Business Skills

Beyond recreation, the gift also carries an educational purpose. Austin will use the horse to learn responsibility and the value of earning.

According to Sarah, the horse will be kept at Mtalii Bush Camps, where Austin will participate in camp activities and earn his own pocket money. The arrangement introduces him to basic entrepreneurship and hands-on business lessons at an early age, reflecting the family’s strong business values.

A Well-Known Entrepreneurial Family

Sarah Mtalii is a well-established figure in Kenya’s travel and tourism industry. Together with her former husband, Simon Kabu, she co-founded Bonfire Adventures, one of the country’s leading travel agencies.

The family often shares personal milestones publicly, using their platform to inspire conversations around parenting, entrepreneurship, and intentional living.