Christmas spirit triumphs despite economic hardship

Across the country, families and individuals embraced the Christmas spirit, finding moments of joy and togetherness despite the economic hardships of 2024.

From the busy beaches of Mombasa to small towns and rural areas, the festive season brought a sense of relief and celebration.

An Infotrak poll had showed that six in ten Kenyans will forgo celebrations, with 86 percent citing lack of money as the primary reason.

The same survey, however, showed that family still remains the priority, with 63 percent prioritising time with loved ones, though church attendance has dropped to 28 percent.

In most parts of the country, local churches held prayers, while families enjoyed festive activities at various entertainment venues.

Read: Christmas paints sharp picture of disparity in Kenya

In the South Rift, entertainment spots under tight security as people made merry.

Nakuru City buzzed with activity, with revellers filling pubs, restaurants, and attractions such as the Lake Nakuru National Park and Menengai Crater.

Hotels in Nakuru and Naivasha were busy with local and foreign tourists.

At Christ the King Cathedral, Bishop Cleophas Oseso led a vigil and mass, urging Christians to embrace peace, love, and sharing.

“Christmas is a season of rejoicing in which Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. I urge Christians to be accommodative and mindful of others during Christmas and New Year festivities,” he said.

However, economic challenges dampened the season for many.

Jane Nafula, a local reveller, said she was unable to travel upcountry due to the high fares.

“I had earlier planned to go and spend Christmas with my larger family in Western Kenya, but I could not manage because of the increase in fares,” she said.

In Nyandarua, traders faced slow business as economic hardships reduced visitor numbers.

David Maitai of Twin Falls Hotel expressed disappointment over fewer customers, hoping for better fortunes in the New Year.

“The hotel industry relies heavily on visitors from Nairobi and other regions, but many regular customers couldn't visit this Christmas due to economic hardships,” he said.

Read: Surviving Christmas and New Year festivities as a broke Kenyan worker

Archbishop Josam Kariuki of the Nyandarua Interfaith Council called for political tolerance, urging leaders to prioritise unity, stabilise the economy, and engage in honest dialogue to address national challenges.

“What is happening in the country is not good for Kenyans. We want political tolerance as we enter 2025. The government should prioritise stabilising the economy and addressing the challenges facing Kenyans. Leaders should give honest dialogue a chance, listen to Kenyans and the church's views, so that we can all move forward together as one,” he said.

In Bomet, Governor Hillary Barchok, Senator Hillary Sigei, and former Bomet MP Nick Salat spread holiday cheer by hosting vulnerable residents for a special Christmas gathering.

Meanwhile, Mombasa's recreational venues, including Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, were bustling with activity as thousands of Kenyans celebrated Christmas. Holidaymakers from across the country enjoyed the warm weather and Indian Ocean.

Security was tight, with lifeguards, Kenya Red Cross officials and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) officers ensuring safety. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir visited the beach, reassuring visitors of security measures.

“We have not had any incidents… So far, so good,” he said.

Despite economic challenges, many Kenyans, like Christine Nekesa and Daniel Nyakoe, travelled to Mombasa for the festive season.

“January is coming with a lot of stress, so we have to enjoy this moment. I have been saving for a whole year to come to Mombasa to enjoy the warm weather and the salty water,” said Mr Nyakoe.

Local businesses thrived, as visitors thronged the county.

“Business is good today. A lot of people are coming to the beach, so we are at least making some money by hiring out 'tubes' to those who don’t know how to swim. The prices range from Sh50 to Sh200 depending on the size of the tube,” Robert Kazungu explained.

For Gerald Kimari and other traders, the sight of visitors smiling and enjoying themselves amid economic woes was worth more than increased profits.

Families, friends, and individuals came together to celebrate, demonstrating the enduring Kenyan tradition of beach festivities during Christmas and New Year despite the harsh economic times.

On Christmas Eve, holidaymakers flocked to Travellers Beach Hotel for an overnight dinner that highlighted the spirit of togetherness.

German tourist Michael Weis, a regular visitor to Kenya, said he was happy to return to the country during this festive season.

“I love Kenya and love spending my holiday here. The environment and weather are pleasant. We have a very nice coast, warm-hearted people, and beautiful landscapes. This is different from where I come from. I have been to Kenya eight times and enjoy the warm weather, the food, and the people,” he said.

Read: Christmas in Nairobi: A city without festive cheer

In the North Rift, clerics and leaders called for equitable sharing of resources, strengthening the economy, and unity as they led Christmas celebrations and preparations for the New Year.

Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Catholic Diocese urged the government to ensure peace, particularly in the bandit-prone Kerio Valley, and to clarify the Grade 9 transition under the CBC system to avoid confusion.

“What Kenyans want is a solid economy, peace and stability,” he said.

Elsewhere, MPs, including Robert Mbui (Kathiani), James Nyikal (Seme), John Gitonga (Manyatta), and Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), expressed concern over the education sector's readiness for the Grade 9 transition, citing inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and curriculum inconsistencies.

“The practicality of putting up the classrooms and other facilities such as laboratories by December 2024, before the start of Grade 9 lessons in January 2025, is in doubt. At present, the transition is also marred with the issue of a shortage of JSS teachers crucial to the success of the programme,” Mr Mbui said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of families displaced from Mt Elgon continue to live in caves, awaiting government assistance for resettlement after being evicted three years ago.

“Most of us did not celebrate Christmas and we are staring at a miserable New Year unless the government come to our rescue and allocates us alternative land,” said Jacob Kimtai Chesutek, the chairperson of the IDPs living in the cave.

Read: The sad story of Mt Elgon cave people with nowhere to call home

While many celebrated Christmas with their families, tragedy hit in Bondo, Siaya County, when 24-year-old Anthony Ouma was killed by an angry mob at an Ohangla concert.

Ouma attended the live performance at Club Bondez, where he allegedly threw a beer bottle at the artist, Odongo Swag, who ducked to avoid being hit.

The crowd, enraged by the disruption, attacked Ouma with kicks, blows, and chairs. Police confirmed his death from the injuries and investigations are underway.

“The commotion forced Odongo to end his performance prematurely, much to the chagrin of the audience,” said a witness.

Bondo Sub-county police commander Robert Aboki urged the public to exercise restraint during the festive season and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

“According to our preliminary investigations, the deceased was fatally attacked by people who attended the concert. He died from the injuries he sustained during the assault,” said the sub-county police boss.

The matter was reported at 7am and police took the body to Bondo Hospital mortuary.

“We are in the festive season and must act in restraint. Members of the public, however angry you are, must never take law into their hands,” Mr Aboki added.

Reporting by Kassim Adinasi, Mercy Simiyu, Brian Ocharo Mercy Koskei, Eric Matara, Waikwa Maina and Vitalis Kimutai, Daniel Ogetta, Titus Ominde, Barnabas Bii