This archive report was first published on 29 December 2019.
Published on December 29, 2019, the last decade has been a transformative period for Kenya. Gone are the days when taking a loan required a guarantor and security in the form of property. Today, with the rise of mobile banking apps, loans can be obtained at the click of a button.
The decade has also seen a significant shift in communication. The adaptation of mobile phones and the rise of social media have made it easier for people to connect with each other. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have become an integral part of Kenyan life, with the latter reportedly having 300 million daily users worldwide.
Another notable change is the growth of the boda boda industry. Data from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics indicates that there are over 1.3 million registered boda bodas in the country, with the number potentially higher considering many are not registered.
Additionally, the government's ban on single-use plastics has led to a shift towards recyclable materials. Walking with recyclable paper bags has become the norm, and the government has started implementing the ban of single-use plastic products in parks and beaches.
Changes have also been seen in the fashion industry, with women proudly wearing their natural hair and young men embracing their grey hair. The banking and broadcast industries, once conservative, now allow women to wear their natural hair to work.
Lastly, the country's infrastructure has undergone significant changes, with improved roads and electricity in many homes, especially in rural areas.
