This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
As the world welcomed the New Year, a stark contrast emerged between the city and the countryside in Kenya. While the urban elite celebrated in luxury, the masses in Nairobi's Uhuru Park found joy in the simple act of community and fellowship.
But what happens when the city people leave for the countryside, bringing with them their wealth and influence? The effects are far-reaching and highlight the deep-seated inequalities that plague Kenya.
For instance, when city dwellers arrive in the villages, they often find that the local markets and shopping centers are ill-equipped to handle their large purchases. A carton of mineral water, a sale that would normally bring in a small profit, becomes a problem when the shopkeeper can't find change for Sh900.
Similarly, when city people buy large quantities of goods, such as a basket of tomatoes, the local vendors are left struggling to make ends meet. The contrast between the city and the countryside is stark, with the city people enjoying their wealth and influence, while the villagers struggle to make a living.
As one economist friend noted, drunkenly, the urban-rural migration driven by these inequalities could be the most radicalizing factor in Kenyan politics. And yet, it's a phenomenon that is unlikely to be addressed anytime soon, as Christmas and New Year are two things that the political class cannot ban.
Mr. Onyango-Obbo is the curator of the Wall of Great Africans and publisher of explainer site Roguechiefs.com. (@cobbo3)
