This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the Kenyan economy, traders are holding onto hope that the upcoming budget will bring some much-needed relief. For fruit vendor Joash Osele, this year has been a struggle, with reduced working hours and restricted movement making it difficult to make a living.
“My customers who used to buy fruits have no money. Eating fruits has become a luxury for them. I have been making losses since March. I am struggling to pay rent,” Osele said in an interview.
Christine Mwelu, chairperson of a group that imports items from China, echoed Osele's sentiments, saying that the pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses. “People in business are depressed because things happened so fast. Suddenly their lives changed. When Budget is read, the government should know there are people out losing hope. This year’s Budget should focus on bringing back hope,” she said.
Yvonne Mbusi, a cleaner who goes door-to-door to offer her services in South B, is also hoping for some relief in the budget. She has two sons with autism and spends most of her income seeking medical services for them. “With Covid-19, I have not been able to work. My job is to move from house to house. Needless to say, I cannot do it at this time. Imagine how much debt I have sunk into,” she said.
As the country waits with bated breath for the budget to be read, many are hoping that it will address the issues affecting their lives. With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, it remains to be seen whether the budget will bring the relief that traders are hoping for.
