Majority of Migori County residents will have little or nothing to celebrate this Christmas and are likely to experience the same mood during New Year festivities, owing to the prevailing hard economic conditions that have significantly reduced disposable income among households.
A survey conducted by the Kenya News Agency (KNA) revealed bleak financial conditions across many parts of the county, with residents expressing concern that the harsh economy has drained their pockets, making it difficult to adequately celebrate the festive season with their families.
According to the interviewed residents, the season that is traditionally marked by joy, family gatherings and feasting has instead been overshadowed by worry and uncertainty, as people struggle to meet basic needs amid rising costs of living.
“There will be nothing to spur joy among the residents. Those of the Christian faith who believe in the birth of Jesus will only cling to their faith to get spiritual nourishment, with nothing enough to eat or to organize parties because of our dry pockets,” said Peter Onyango, a resident of Awendo Sub-county.
However, the situation momentarily changed for some residents of Suna East Constituency after their area Member of Parliament, Junet Mohamed, visited Migori County headquarters with baskets of assorted food items, giving beneficiaries renewed hope of enjoying Christmas Day.
The distribution exercise involved food items such as rice, maize, beans and cooking oil. The event, however, attracted dramatic scenes as enthusiastic locals struggled to access the donated supplies, with crowds swelling beyond expectations.
The huge gathering, which also attracted residents from neighboring constituencies bordering Suna East, saw each beneficiary walk away with food items and Sh500 in cash. At one point, scuffles broke out when agitated youths attempted to grab money from others, prompting intervention to restore order.
Despite the relief efforts, some residents said they would not benefit from the distribution or similar goodwill gestures. Among them was Mama Felister Ogola, a single mother of two from Rongo Constituency, who said she had resigned
herself to a modest and quiet celebration.
“I did not bother to look for the goodies to celebrate Christmas because I lack the energy to do so and I have no good Samaritan to bail me out,” she said. “I will dedicate myself to spiritual nourishment by attending church sermons and then share the little I have with my children.”
The subdued celebrations come at a time when prices of food and essential commodities have skyrocketed beyond the reach of many residents, particularly low-income earners. Market surveys indicate sharp increases in the cost of basic foodstuffs across Migori County.
Paul Mwita, a teacher based in Migori town, told KNA that his family would have to settle for a very modest celebration due to financial constraints. He said the rising cost of living has forced him to prioritize essential expenses.
“I would have wished to treat my family better, but because of the hard economy I will appreciate whatever little I can manage,” said Mwita, who supports a family of ten.
He further noted that the little amount he received from his December salary would largely remain untouched in his bank account, as he plans to use it in January to pay school fees for his children when schools reopen.
A spot check by KNA at various business outlets, markets and shopping centers on December 24, the eve of Christmas, confirmed low enthusiasm among shoppers compared to previous years.
Traders in towns such as Awendo, Migori, Isebania and Rongo reported a noticeable decline in customer traffic. This, they said, sharply contrasted with last year, when shops and supermarkets were crowded with last-minute Christmas shoppers.
“On Christmas Eve last year, this town was full of people buying food and other items for the festivities, but this year it is very quiet,” said Bevin Anyango, a trader in Awendo town.
Devji Shah, a manager at Bansi Supermarket in Migori town, also complained of poor business performance, noting that sales had dropped significantly compared to the same period last year.
The reduced shopping activity has largely been attributed to high food prices. Tomatoes, onions, cabbages and other essential vegetables are currently selling at nearly three times their usual prices in most market centers.
Some residents accused traders of taking advantage of the festive season to exploit consumers. Sugar prices, for instance, have risen sharply from Sh155 per kilogram to about Sh200 in many local shops, further straining household budgets.
While many low-income residents have lost hope of merrymaking this season, a different picture has emerged among wealthier families in the county. Some affluent residents have been seen preparing for the festivities in style.
On Tuesday, traders at animal markets reported brisk business, with wealthy buyers purchasing goats, chicken and other food items in large numbers to prepare for celebrations.
“I sold over ten goats to different people yesterday alone, and more than 500 goats and sheep are believed to have been bought in this market,” said Derick Omollo, an animal trader at the popular Awendo animal and birds’ market.
By George Agimba
