From ‘hand to mouth’ to ‘nothing at all’ as harsh economy bites

By Vostine Ratemo

The high inflation rate has taken a toll on many residents since most of them cannot even afford to buy basic commodities.

Elias Olewe, a second year student at Kisii University, revealed that at times he skips meals since it is too expensive a commodity to afford.

“I get financial support from home and it should cater for my rent, fees at times, assignments and food. To stay within budget, I only take supper,” he noted.

He adds that the situation is always worse if there is a delay in disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds.

“I have learnt not to stress a lot about meals because am used to my humble background. Hopefully I will get through this,” he explained.

Olas Mudachi, a boda boda rider along Masaai

Road and Lekururi Avenue in Ngong, said the increase in fuel prices has negatively affected his business.

“We had to increase the route charges, a situation that has made most people to resort to walking instead. On bad days,

I return home without any money yet I am the bread winner in my family,” he bitterly complained.

He is devastated when at times his children sleep hungry yet he leaves for work every morning.

“At times my wife thinks I have mistresses whom I give money,” he narrated bitterly.

Geoffey Shagwila, a resident of Asyana and a construction worker, said he is even considering going back to his ancestral home in Mbale, Vihiga County because it is a struggle staying in Kajiado yet his family look up to him for financial help.

He notes that even paying rent for the apartment he lives in is a problem.

Another resident who identifies himself as Meshack Shakwila lamented that he is debt-ridden since he borrows cash to pay school fees for his three children.

“I have three children in secondary school, two of them in form three and another one in form one and am having trouble paying their school fees. I really miss the old times, life then was favourable,” he said.