Uncertain Easter holidays: Festive plans dampened by tough economy

As Kenyans prepare for a four-day Easter weekend, the mood across the country is one of cautious anticipation. 

Unlike previous years, when cities and towns bustled with last-minute shoppers, road trips, and full hotels, this year’s celebrations are being tempered by a struggling economy and rising commodity prices.

Historically, Easter has been a period of vibrant activity across Kenya. 

Families travelled in large numbers to holiday destinations, supermarkets and markets overflowed with buyers, and entertainment venues, from nightclubs to cultural events, drew large crowds. 

Beaches, lakesides, and national parks would be fully booked as Kenyans took advantage of the long weekend to combine spiritual reflection, family time, and leisure. 

This year, however, signs of the economic pinch are evident nationwide. At bus stations, queues are shorter and fewer travellers are heading out of major cities. 

Supermarkets and local markets are less crowded, with traders reporting subdued sales. 

Rising fuel prices and uncertainty about commodity costs have led many families to scale down travel plans or opt for low-cost, local celebrations.

Nairobi, usually the epicentre of holiday excitement, is reflecting a mixture of anticipation and caution. 

Families are reuniting with children back from school, planning local trips, and attending concerts and performances. 

However, bus stations reported low traveller turnout, a stark contrast to previous years when thousands would head out of the city to holiday destinations. 

While entertainment venues are ready with music shows, cultural events, and open-air concerts, attendance is expected to be lower than usual. 

“We’re excited about the concerts nearby and the children are looking forward to the music, but we will spend cautiously this year,” said Samuel Njenga, a Nairobi resident.

In Kakamega Town, the Easter season is markedly subdued. 

Streets are quieter, and businesses report low consumer spending. 

Traders, especially those selling festive items like poultry and groceries, say even discounted prices have failed to attract buyers. 

Zablon Aluda, a local chicken trader, explained, “During past Easters, we would sell a mature chicken at Sh1,500 and do well. This year, even at Sh1,000, buyers are few.” 

In neighbouring Vihiga County, churches and religious leaders have taken the opportunity to encourage Kenyans to remain hopeful despite the economic hardships. 

 They urged the faithful to use the Easter period for reflection and prayer.

Fr Martin Chibole of Hambale Catholic Church called on Kenyans to reflect on key national issues, including the ongoing mass voter registration exercise, and to embrace good governance.

“We have an opportunity as a country to pray and seek God’s intervention so that the current hardships may ease and better times prevail,” said Fr Chibole.

In Kisumu City, activity at lakeside hotels remained low, with only a few families arriving ahead of the holidays.  

 Marvel Achieng, a tour guide, noted that hotel bookings were yet to reach expected levels. 

“Hotels are not fully booked as we usually see during this season, but we remain hopeful that numbers may improve over the Easter weekend,” she said.

Nakuru, in contrast, is blending spiritual observance with community engagement and entertainment. 

Catholic churches began celebrations on Thursday evening, commemorating the Last Supper, with Bishop Cleophas Oseso leading Mass and washing the feet of 12 men to symbolise humility and service. 

Good Friday services and Easter Vigil will continue the reflective tone, while entertainment and social outreach remain central to the festivities. Residents are visiting hospitals, orphanages, and the elderly, balancing celebration with community care. 

The Peace Caravan festival, Mfalme wa Amani, scheduled for Easter Monday at Nyayo Gardens, promises music, motivational talks, and wildlife tours, led by radio host Willy Tuva. 

Comparing this year to previous Easters, the contrast is clear that what was once vibrant and commercialised, filled with domestic travel and bustling shopping centres, has now been tempered by economic caution.  

Yet, across the country, Kenyans are finding ways to celebrate responsibly, through local gatherings, family time, spiritual reflection, and community engagement. 

The 2026 Easter weekend demonstrates resilience, hope, and unity, showing that even in challenging times, Kenyans pplprioritize togetherness, faith, and joy.

Hoteliers have hiked their rates in anticipation of the food business despite complaints from several revellers that the hard economic times could dampen the spirit of the Easter holiday.

Meanwhile, Christians thronged churches to start the Easter Triduum, the start of the three-day Pascha named Holy Thursday, to mark the day Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.

For the Catholics, yesterday is also the day priests renew vows they took during ordination and the removal of the Eucharist from the tabernacle to mark the end of Jesus's last supper.

However, for most revellers, this year's Easter holiday would be the day of suffering due to hard economic times. In Mombasa, most families said they will not travel upcountry.

"Schools are opening on April 28. I must pay Sh30,000 for my son to be allowed in school. If it were you, would you travel to the west and spend Sh25,000 or celebrate Easter in Mombasa and pay the fee?" asked Joyce Khamadi.

Despite the harsh economic times, hoteliers along the Coast region have hiked their rates in anticipation of good tidings. Hotels are charging between Sh28,000 and 34,000 per room.

At the same time, Mombasa County enforcement officers said that county officers will be posted in various parts of the county to ensure nobody breaks the county bylaws.

“Those in the county traffic department will help in the free flow of the traffic with the help of regular police traffic officers,” said an officer who did not want to be quoted.

Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno recently said the police officers are highly alert during the long holiday to avert any security challenges in various parts of the region.

The hot spots for insecurity in the region include Tana River, Kwale and Mombasa counties. Nuno, who is also known as a no-nonsense police boss, has repeatedly warned parents in the region against failing to advise their children to engage in security matters.

He said that his officers will not hesitate to ruthlessly deal with hardcore criminals if they are found terrorising the peaceful residents going about their business.

A spot check by Standard found that more plainclothes police officers are patrolling most parts of the town.

Investigation by The Standard revealed that night patrol in Mombasa has been enhanced, which has made the security in insecurity-prone areas like Likoni and Kisauni secure.

During this period, some holidaygoers always take advantage of shopping for second-hand cars imported from Japan. The avenue is also now known for very cheap used cars, where some car dealers offer cars at a reasonable price.

The most well-known avenue for cars is along Moi Avenue, which has now become Dubai in Kenya, while Marikiti Market is where the visitors buy coastal things such as madafu.

Investigation by The Standard also found that several plain-clothes police officers have been deployed to various worship areas to ensure there was no insecurity incident.