Kenyan entrepreneur and Mtalii Bush Camps founder Sarah Mtalii has stirred widespread online conversation after gifting her son a horse as a birthday present.
The businesswoman shared the moment on her social media platforms, revealing that the surprise was for her son Austin Mtalii, who recently turned 13 years old.
The gift was presented during a small celebration held at one of her bush camps, known for promoting outdoor living and nature-based experiences.
In the video clip that has since gone viral, Sarah is seen leading her son to the surprise before unveiling the horse, prompting a mix of excitement and nervous laughter from the teenager.
“Surprise. This is your horse. Are you scared? This is your birthday gift for turning 13. I want you to be coming to Mtalii Bush Camps to look after it and to make sure that it is well fed,” Sarah says in the video.
She goes on to encourage him to interact with the animal, adding:
“Do you like the black and white horse? Jump on it and ride it. Just go around. So that’s Austin’s gift on turning 13 years.
Austin, visibly overwhelmed by the surprise, responds briefly but gratefully.
“I am scared… thank you, mum,” he says.
Unlike typical birthday presents, Sarah explained that the horse was not just a luxury gift but one meant to instil responsibility, discipline and independence in her son.
In a caption accompanying the video, she wrote:
“Join me in wishing my son Austin Mtalii a happy 13th birthday. I have gifted him a horse to earn him some small pocket money and keep him off gadgets while he’s here.”
According to Sarah, Austin will be responsible for caring for the horse while spending time at the bush camp .
The birthday celebration also doubled as a soft promotion for her business. In the same post, she hinted at upcoming developments at the camp, including the completion of a swimming pool and upcoming weekend bookings.
Social media users were quick to react, with many praising Sarah’s creativity and parenting approach.
Some applauded her for encouraging outdoor activities, while others admired the confidence and independence she instilled in her children.