A recent Infotrak survey reveals that 60% of Kenyans cannot afford holiday celebrations this year due to financial constraints. Approximately 86% of respondents indicated lack of funds as the primary reason for not celebrating, with significant percentages across all regions reporting economic hardships. The survey highlights the adverse effects of rising living costs on traditional festive practices in Kenya.
A recent survey by Infotrak, conducted on December 20, reveals the profound economic difficulties that many individuals in Kenya are encountering during this festive season. The survey indicates that approximately 60 percent of respondents do not intend to partake in Christmas and New Year celebrations, primarily due to financial limitations. Out of a representative sample of 606 adult Kenyans across all 47 counties, a staggering 86 percent attributed their lack of holiday plans to insufficient funds, revealing a pervasive financial strain that transcends age, gender, and regional differences.
The repercussions of rising living costs are evident in the data gathered, with every respondent in Nairobi reporting financial difficulties. In the North Eastern region, 91 percent expressed similar concerns, while 83 percent in the Rift Valley acknowledged the economic hardships impacting their ability to celebrate. Although financial constraints were predominant, 10 percent of participants cited a lack of interest in holiday festivities, while six percent stated they would remain at work throughout the holiday season. Additionally, one percent of respondents identified as Muslim, with another one percent belonging to faith groups that do not observe the celebrations. Personal circumstances, such as lack of family or financial obligations, further contributed to the decision not to celebrate.
The study utilized Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), which provided a margin of error of ±4.001 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, achieving a notable 96 percent response rate. Representation was carefully constructed across Kenya’s eight regions—Coast, North Eastern, Eastern, Central, Rift Valley, Western, Nyanza, and Nairobi—to ensure comprehensive coverage reflecting the varied demographics and economic conditions of the population.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many households in Kenya are confronted with the daunting reality of foregoing traditional holiday customs, further illustrating the urgent economic challenges faced by the nation during this season.
The economic landscape in Kenya is characterized by significant financial constraints affecting the majority of its population. The recent festive period was particularly challenging, as many individuals could not afford to celebrate, a situation exacerbated by rising living costs. The survey conducted by Infotrak serves as a vital tool to illuminate the financial struggles of Kenyans at a time typically associated with festivities and togetherness. By analyzing the perspectives across diverse demographics, the survey sheds light on how economic pressures alter traditions and community practices throughout the holiday season.
The survey conducted by Infotrak starkly illustrates that economic constraints have severely hindered the ability of many Kenyans to participate in holiday festivities this year. With 60 percent of respondents indicating they will not celebrate due to financial difficulties, it highlights a concerning trend within the nation. The pervasive financial strain across various demographics underscores the urgent need for solutions to alleviate the economic pressures impacting the well-being of Kenyan households.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
