Reporting by JAMES MUTUA
Kenyans are urging the government to address the high cost of living and alleviate the challenges posed by the tough economic conditions.
In a townhall meeting organized by ActionAid Kenya, Nairobi residents expressed their feelings of hopelessness, stating that the government had neglected their needs, leaving many struggling to meet their basic requirements.
Elizabeth Mwelu, a resident from Kayole, decried the unbearable nature of the cost of living, particularly for families relying on a single breadwinner. She said that since Kenya Kwanza government took office commodity prices had gone through the roof and that money circulation had shrank.
Stephano, a person living with disability (PWD), lamented the government’s neglect of PWD’s saying that access to treatment had become a luxury. He said that high living costs, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and increased taxation, posed a double burden for PWD’s.
Wambui, another participant, criticized the government for escalating costs across various sectors, including public transportation. Unable to afford matatu fares, she said that she had resorted to walking to and from her work place. She said recent increases in fuel prices affected product costs and transportation fares, making it difficult for common citizens to afford basic items.
Wambui urged the the president to reconsider decisions to raise levies, appealing for measures to cushion the public from the high cost of living. She expressed disappointment, stating,
We were hopeful that this new government would consider the cries of mwananchi (the common man). However, we feel that the government has forgotten us, and our pleas fall on deaf ears. Paying rent, school fees, water and electricity bills, and buying food have become uphill tasks.
Wambui, a Nairobi resident
She revealed the impact on her budget, scaling down on food purchases and resorting to using charcoal as cooking gas prices had continued to soar.
Everything is expensive. It is now Christmas season but the cost of commodities is very high. We wonder how we will be able to celebrate the festiveties with our families if this trend continues.
Added Wambui
Kimani, a Nairobi University graduate, disclosed that he was contemplating relocating to the countryside next year if the current challenging tough situation persisted lamenting that living in the city had become expensive.
The townhall meetings were also held in Isiolo, Embu, Kajiado, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Garissa, and Baringo.
