This archive report was first published on 11 July 2021.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Kenya, families are feeling the pinch of reduced income and increased expenses. For Susan Kerama, a Nairobi resident and entrepreneur, the pandemic has disrupted her family's life in ways she never thought possible.
Her 14-year-old son, Calvin, is in boarding school and was initially supposed to spend the entire school holiday at home. However, due to the pandemic, his mother has had to cut back on expenses and limit his time at home to just 10 days.
According to the Ministry of Education, schools were closed on July 10 for a week-long break and were set to reopen on July 26. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the education sector, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
As Susan notes, the motivation for Zoom classes seemed to die down over months of quarantine, and private school teachers, who lost their income, were affected. The pandemic has also disrupted the social lives of Kenyans, with many families unable to afford the luxury of going out or taking trips.
Samson Mbugua, a banker, and his wife contracted the virus in March 2020 and were charged Sh5,700 each for tests. The cost of coronavirus testing has been a significant burden for many families, with some facilities charging hefty amounts.
For families like Susan's and Samson's, the pandemic has brought about tough times. They have had to cut back on expenses, change their meal plans, and even sacrifice their favourite treats. The situation has been no easier for grocers and small shop owners, who have seen their businesses affected by the pandemic.
As Kenyans tighten their wallets to survive the rough period, their standards of living have changed, and their budgets are stricter than ever. The pandemic has disrupted family life in Kenya, and it remains to be seen how families will adapt to the new financial realities.
