This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
Christmas is just around the corner, but for many Kenyans, the festive season is shaping up to be just another day. The country's economic woes, characterized by massive layoffs, business collapses, and depressed incomes, have taken a toll on the nation's psyche.
A recent survey by the Retailers Association of Kenya and Viffa Consult found that Kenyans will prioritize basic necessities such as food, drinks, clothes, and travel during the holiday season. However, the survey also revealed a steep decline in disposable incomes, with spending expected to drop by nearly three-quarters over the next two months.
The ripple effect of the struggling economy is evident in the household level, where budget cuts are becoming the norm. Joseph Gilo, a plumber from Nairobi, has had to reconsider his plans to travel to Siaya to spend Christmas with his family due to the high cost of fares and goods.
"This year life has been tough. Prices of goods are high, especially maize flour, which is now going for between Sh130 and Sh140," Gilo said. "Fares have also increased, with a trip to Siaya now costing between Sh2,000 and Sh2,500, up from Sh800 to Sh1,000 in the past."
For Sarah Waithaka, a boda boda rider and mother of two, business has been poor due to the hard economic times. "Customers have no money, and I have to negotiate with them just to make a living," she said.
Transport operators are also cashing in on the demand for travel during the festive season, hiking fares to unprecedented levels. A spot check by the Sunday Standard found that travellers were being forced to dig deeper into their pockets to afford the high fares.
"I will not increase fares even next week because there are few people travelling unlike last year," said Paul Kimani, fleet manager of North Rift Shuttle. "People have no money to travel due to tough economic times."
