Gloomy Christmas as families travel home to celebrate with loved ones

In Nairobi, chaotic scenes were witnessed as Kenyans scrambled to travel to various destinations to celebrate with their loved ones.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators hiked fares on various routes, taking advantage of the transport crisis, leaving many passengers stranded.

At the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) several passengers were stranded after failing to find connecting vehicles to their various destinations.

Newton Odhiambo, a traveller, said that despite booking his ticket to Ugunja, Kisumu two weeks ago at cost of Sh1,800, he still did not manage to leave on time.

"I booked my ticket two weeks ago. I was lucky but still I arrived here at 9am expecting to leave for Kisumu at 11am but see it's already 1pm and yet the passengers for the 8am bus have not left," he said.

To Amo, family meetings during the festive season have been providing room for relatives to interact and celebrate together after a year of being apart. This is, however, no longer a priority due to the high cost of living.

According to Amo, travelling from Kitale to Busia costs Sh800 and a family of four will need Sh3,200 one way. He says he would need Sh10,000 to spend on transport alone.

"Schools will be opening in two weeks, and I better save the money to cater for the needs of my children," Amo added.

Amo is not alone in the predicament. Richard Magutu wished to travel from Kitale to Kisii to attend a family meeting, but said he will not travel due to a lack of finances.

A spot check at the Kitale bus terminus revealed there was not much human traffic as was witnessed in previous years. There was a minimal number of passengers arriving from Nairobi and other parts of the country.

Supermarkets, according to operators, recorded low business compared to the last festive season.

"People have no money. We have not witnessed booming business like the previous years. Kenyans have no money due to the high cost of living," said a manager at one of the supermarkets in Kitale.

In Kapsabet town, Nandi County, business went on as usual.

Unlike in the past when the festive mood could be felt, the town dwellers differed in their plans of going upcountry.

Instead, many resorted to staying in their residential homes this year to enable them to save for school fees next year.

Mercy Kemboi, a bookshop attendant, said she had received a good number of parents buying students' school effects in December.

"We have received bookings, and parents buying books and school uniforms for their children early compared to past years," she said.

"Parents have foregone pomp and colour in Chrismas and are preparing for school in January," she added.

The supermarkets were not crowded, and the festive offers seemingly did not attract more customers.

Wilson Lelei, a maize farmer, claimed that he shelved plans to sell his produce until next year.

"We do not want to spend much for Christmas parties. We are saving for January; the cost of living is too high, and we prudently use money for Christmas," he stated.

In West Pokot, the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups received food items and gifts for the festive season from well-wishers.

Touch Africa Initiative Organisation, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the office of West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, made the gesture to brighten the lives of the needy in the area.

Beatrice Ngao, 80, and living with disability, said: "I always sleep hungry, but today, God has answered my prayers."

Meanwhile, the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has classified all beaches across the country as hotspots where people are likely to drown this festive season.

KMA told guests who throng the Coast to be careful at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach (Pirates), Shelly Beach, the ferry crossing channel, Diani Beach, and Shimoni Beach in Kwale County.

KMA Director General Martin Munga also cited hotspots as Bofa Beach and Malindi Park in Kilifi County, Shella Beach in Lamu County, and Dunga Beach in Kisumu County.

He said Homa Bay Jetty, Mulukhoba Beach in Busia County, Sori Beach, and Muhuru Bay in Migori are equally dangerous.

Munga also said that Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, and Elias Springs in Lake Turkana are hotspots for water accidents.

"We encourage and caution people to follow the rules and safety while visiting beaches and lakes by ensuring they wear life jackets and floaters," said Munga.

Reporting by Julius Chepkwony, Irissheel Shanzu, Sharon Owino, Osinde Obare, Edward Kosut, Ronald Kipruto and Joackim Bwana