This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 24, 2019 - Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but for many Kenyans, the harsh economic reality has dampened their festive spirit.
While some have packed their bags and left for various destinations to join loved ones, others have chosen to stay put, citing the economic hardship as the main reason.
A recent survey by TIFA, a market research company based in Nairobi, revealed that 11 percent of Kenyans do not intend to spend any money at all for Christmas, while 42 percent plan to spend less than they did last year.
Public Service Vehicle operators in Nairobi have also reported a significant decline in passengers traveling for the Christmas celebrations compared to last year.
"The economy is really bad such that people don't want to travel even when fares are not high like last year," said Daniel Makau, a PSV driver at the main bus station in Nairobi.
Others, like James, a Trolley operator, have expressed their disappointment at the low business.
"If we compare this with previous years, there is a huge difference. This bus station used to be flooded but now things are different," he said.
Conductor Peter Muriuki echoed James' sentiments, saying that they were now begging passengers to board vehicles, a stark contrast to previous festivity periods.
For some, like Mark Simiyu, a cobbler operating on Moi Avenue, the decision to stay home was a no-brainer.
"I don't have money, I want to save the little I have for January," he said.
