This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
World Bank Warns of Rising Poverty in Kenya ¶
Published on December 4, 2019, a World Bank report has revealed that more than half of Kenyans could fall into poverty in the next two years if urgent measures are not taken by the government.
According to the report, 52% of Kenyans are at risk of falling into poverty if material reforms to eradicate the vice are not implemented.
The World Bank noted that individuals living in counties in north-eastern Kenya were the most affected and were living below the national poverty average.
One of the recommendations of the report is for the government to enroll more people in social protection programmes such as the Inua Jamii cash transfer, which benefits poor and vulnerable people.
From left, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Labour CS Ukur Yatani, and one of the beneficiaries of Inua Jamii programme. Photo: Inua Jamii Kenya.
Earlier in October 2019, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) stated that inflation rose to 4.95% from 3.83% in September 2019 on account of high foodstuff prices.
The prices of a kilogram of loose grain maize flour, sifted maize flour, and tomatoes increased by 5.82, 4.58, and 4.44% respectively.
Additionally, in November 2019, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased fuel prices by an average of two shillings, while Kenya Power submitted a proposal to increase electricity tariffs by 20%.
These developments come at a time when Kenyans on social media have decried the high cost of living, with President Uhuru Kenyatta claiming he does not know why Kenyans are broke.
