Nyeri: Many households in Kenya are grappling with the rising cost of living brought about by the fluctuating global oil prices. In Nyeri, the impact is becoming apparent in the public transport, local markets, and homes where families are being forced to make difficult decisions to weather the storms.
According to Kenya News Agency, the cost of food, fuel, transport, electricity, and other basic commodities has continued to rise over the past few years. For many Kenyans, salaries and daily earnings have remained stagnant while expenses continue to skyrocket, leading to severe financial struggles. In Nyeri town, people from different sectors shared their experiences on how the high cost of living is affecting their daily lives, bringing to light the harsh reality facing many Kenyans.
Fuel prices, in particular, have become one of the biggest concerns among ordinary people since it cuts across virtually all other sectors. Many residents say they are diverting their money to basic necessities such as food and spending less on clothes, which are now considered luxuries. Some have reduced meals, while others have cut down on transport costs by walking long distances. The effects are hard-hitting, especially among low-income earners. Farmers, traders, and small business owners are equally struggling to sustain their operations.
For the majority of workers in Nyeri, fare has become one of the most painful daily expenses. Jack Ndirangu, who has been commuting to work daily, shared his struggles, stating, ‘I am forced to walk almost half the distance to work since I cannot afford the current fare. Sometimes I arrive late at my workplace.’ Ndirangu explained that balancing fare and other household expenses has become increasingly difficult. He disclosed that workers are now being forced to prioritize basic needs over comfort, urging the government to reduce fuel prices.
Joan Njeri, a farmer, lamented that the high fuel cost has reduced profits for farmers, stating that the cost of transporting farm products to the market has risen, severely cutting into profit margins. She also highlighted the increased cost of inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. Njeri further blamed recent demonstrations for exacerbating the situation by disrupting business operations and causing losses for farmers.
Small businesses are among the hardest hit by the current economic challenges, now aggravated by the Iran and US stalemate over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Traders report reduced spending by customers as many households focus on essential commodities. Joyce Waithera, an apparel dealer in Nyeri town, noted that the rise in the cost of living has negatively affected her business. She explained that the increased cost of merchandise has kept customers away, leading to a reduction in sales.
Waithera’s experience reflects that of many traders in Nyeri’s open-air markets and shopping centers. Some businesses have decided to reduce the number of workers to cut costs. The retail sector, which largely depends on consumer spending, is struggling as non-essential purchases decline. For many families, adjusting to the changing economic landscape is now a critical necessity.
