Religious vigil celebrations to usher in Christmas and all the merrymakings that go along with it, will set in by mid-night December 24 as is the custom. Already, Kenyans are in the grip of the expectant mood, what with many rushing to what they regard as safe abodes for the annual ritual of worthy festivities.
The only absurd constant refrain that one will hear now from these would-be merrymakers is, a recurrent lament about how the hard economic situation has hit them dry and hopeless.
Although it is true the cost of living is unbearable for many ordinary mwananchi, what is constantly decried by many of these people is a total contradiction of what one sees happening on the ground on Kenyan roads, supermarkets and retail outlets.
Mr. Tobias Okenge, a retired teacher, asserts that if at all Kenyans were feeling the painful pinch of the economic hardship they rhetorically moan day in day out, we would not experience at all the road-rush being witnessed on our roads during this time of the year.
“This means Kenyans have enough financial resources to spend on the fuel-guzzling vehicles and on hiked fares to reach their planned festive locations countrywide,” explained Mr. Okenge during an interview on his take about this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities.
And to confirm Mr. Okenge’s statement about Kenyans holding enough money to spend during this festive season, a KNA crew decided conducted a spot-check on various towns and markets within Migori County with the findings largely proving the claims.
From Migori town to Isebania and to Kehancha, Awendo and Rongo Towns, residents were seen busy making preparations to party in style sparing nothing in the grand expenses they laid out.
The kind of shopping done, the rush to fill passenger service vehicles, the carnival decorations on business buildings, the tons of soft and alcoholic drinks stocked in bars and restaurants and, the preparations made at all the entertainment joints, were a confirmation that millions of shillings would be splashed in merrymaking within Migori region alone during the festivities.
While some of the region’s dwellers described the looming festivities as of no significance to them and hence saw no point spending money on the same, others said they would approach them with a bit of soberness when it comes to spending money.
“The money I have is so little that I will not waste it in merrymaking. I am very much aware that January is fast approaching and it will come with high demands for school fees and associated budgets, which is a priority to me,” stressed Ms. Pauline Siaji, a mother of three and a business woman.
Siaji, however encouraged colleagues with plans to organise the X-Mas and New Year rites to make moderate celebrations for their families, saying it is better to save rather than waste money on lavish entertainment.
But for 64-year-old Belinder Onyango, partying, eating food and visiting dance halls are not the only mode to enjoy the festivities. There are other simple alternatives that one can take and be satisfied that he or she has enjoyed the holidays without using huge amounts of money.
“One can go to Church, for those of Christian faith and who believe in the birth of Jesus Christ and have the satisfaction of getting spiritual nourishment at no cost, other than the small tithe you offer for that day,” claimed Mrs.Onyango, adding, “To moan that the economy is hard, yet you spend Sh20, 000 or more purchasing new clothes for yourselves and family and, buying too much of the food items that you always have on your table is being careless.”
Paul Okello, a shop owner in Uriri Market, confirms further that all is not bad for many of his customers who since last week have always thronged his shop purchasing assorted food and non-food items valued at thousands of shillings to enable them celebrate these important days.
Yet another contradiction about the residents repeated wailing over lack of money, came from Mr. Richard Nyagudi, a livestock trader, who confirmed selling over 20 goats to different people planning for Christmas and New Year celebrations in one village alone in Uriri, sending an indication that people in that area have money to spend during the festivities.
“You cannot convince me that the economy is very bad for the people here, yet some can afford to buy two or three goats at once to throw a bash for their family and friends during these festivities,” said Nyagudi.
Although a majority would not be able to hit the pick of the festivity spending graph, there are indications that all or 85 percent will have a modest spending on the celebrations.
By George Agimba
