How Kenyans marked low-key Christmas amid tough economy

Some families opted to share their blessings with the less fortunate in society.

Weak shilling

In the Coastal region, hoteliers noted the weakened shilling and hard economic times had made it expensive for people to travel.

But a section of Kenyans thronged places of worship and beaches at the Coast to celebrate Christmas and pray for peace in the Middle East.

Caro Anami, the proprietor of Kenya Afrika Kijiji Village located along the Mtwapa Creek, said this year's arrivals were way below previous years.

"We are at 50 percent occupancy. Things would have been better if the economy was stable. However, it is not lost as we are looking forward to a better 2024," she said.

Tourism Professional Association National Secretary, Dr Sam Ikwaye, said the sector was largely dependent on local tourists because of the long school holidays.

"The actualisation of the open sky policy, where many international flights into Mombasa will be landing, will ensure that we do away with seasonality," said Dr Ikwaye.

Few arrivals

Hoteliers in Lamu Island also had to contend with fewer arrivals due to the damaged road sections linking the popular island destination to the outside world.

"While we have air connectivity with the low-cost carriers landing at the Lamu Airport from Nairobi, there are fewer flights and the prices are prohibitive," Idd Swaleh, a local safari seller, said.

US-based Preacher Peter Njoroge Chege celebrates Christmas with his neighbours in Mahianyu village in Igwamiti ward in Laikipia County. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

"We know the government has put in place measures to revive the economy, but many Kenyans are struggling to put food on the table. The government should hasten the recovery process so that the economy can go back to its feet," he said.

"As men of God, we have done our part by delivering message of hope to our people. A small number of people came to church this time round and we know Kenyans are out in the streets trying to earn a living," said Bishop Olumasai Nicholas, the Kakamega County Inter-Faith Chairman.

In Vihiga County, Rev Raphael Muyela of the Church of God East Africa (Kenya) urged the government to address the rising cost of living.

A Spot-check by The Standard across the Western region established there were only a handful of Public Service Vehicles on the roads.

"It is now 2pm yet we have made only one trip from Kakamega to Bungoma. We are charging Sh350 from Kakamega to Bungoma, up from the usual Sh250. People have no money and as a result, many vehicles are parked," said James Shiundu, a PSV driver.

In Kisumu, most streets remained deserted with most families opting to stay indoors while some thronged the few beaches to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Lake Victoria.

Residents who spoke to The Standard said the economic hardship experienced in the country was a major bottleneck to the festivities.

Boat operators also lamented on the same, saying this year's Christmas was far from being profitable to them.

Joel Omondi said they usually make a lot of profits during the December holiday but did not reap big as visitors complained of high cost of living.

"The past years have been way better than this year. We barely made anything as most residents preferred to sit by the lake without engaging in any boat rides," he said.

Omondi noted that even after being forced to lower their prices, which is the opposite of what they normally do during the festive season, they did not attract clients.

Emelda Akinyi said she couldn't buy new Christmas clothes for her children this year.

"As it is tradition in most African homes, children must be bought Christmas clothes and chicken must be slaughtered. I was not able to do any for my children, which made my kids feel very disappointed," she said.

Akinyi notes that was the case for most households, especially the middle and lower-class families.

[Reports by Sharon Owino, Philip Mwakio and Benard Lusigi]