Economic Struggles Make Christmas Hard To Celebrate For Many Kenyans

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A recent Infotrak survey has revealed that 86% of Kenyans are unable to celebrate Christmas this year due to financial challenges. Conducted on December 20, 2024, the survey highlights the tough economic times many Kenyans are facing.

Who Won’t Celebrate Christmas?

The survey, which sampled 600 adults aged 18 and above, paints a clear picture of the country's struggles. A majority of respondents across various regions expressed that they cannot afford the costs associated with Christmas celebrations. In Nairobi, 64% of participants said they would not be celebrating, while other regions showed similar results: 70% in Western, 66% in Central, 56% in Nyanza and Rift Valley, 55% in Coast, 54% in Eastern, and 73% in North Eastern.

Apart from financial constraints, 10% of respondents said they simply have no interest in celebrating, while 6% will be working through Christmas. A small percentage (2%) cited their Muslim faith as the reason for not celebrating. Others pointed to personal reasons such as illness, religious restrictions, and financial priorities like paying school fees and buying books.

Alternative Ways to Celebrate

Despite these financial struggles, many Kenyans still plan to mark the festive season in their own ways. According to the survey, 63% of respondents will spend time with family, 28% will attend church, and 27% will socialize with friends. While 15% plan to stay indoors and 11% will go on holiday, a smaller group (5%) will engage in partying and drinking. Meanwhile, 4% intend to visit the sick or children’s homes.

A noticeable shift in tradition was also found, with 60% of respondents stating they will not celebrate Christmas this year as they have in the past.

The Bigger Picture

Conducted across all 47 counties and 8 regions of Kenya, Infotrak's survey paints a vivid picture of the tough economic landscape many Kenyans are navigating as they face a holiday season marked by financial hardship.

A Christmas Message from President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto

In a separate development, President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto shared a warm Christmas message with the nation, offering hope and encouragement for a better future. President Ruto emphasized the importance of the construction sector and urged citizens to engage in tree planting, stressing that their efforts would contribute to a better tomorrow. First Lady Rachel focused on the education sector, proclaiming that "classrooms are the future of Kenya."

As Kenyans prepare for Christmas on December 25, the festive season reflects both the hardships and the hope that continue to shape the nation’s future.


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