A recent Infotrak survey reveals that about 60 percent of Kenyans will not celebrate Christmas or New Year this year due to financial constraints. The study, which included 606 respondents from all counties, indicates that financial difficulties are universally pervasive, particularly in regions like Nairobi and North Eastern. Only a small percentage cited alternative reasons for not participating in the holiday season.
A recent survey conducted by Infotrak, as of December 20, has revealed that a significant proportion of Kenyans are unable to partake in holiday festivities this year due to financial limitations. Approximately 60 percent of the respondents indicated they would not be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s, largely attributed to economic strains. The survey sampled 606 adults across all 47 counties, revealing 86 percent cited financial constraints as the primary reason for abstaining from the festive season.
The findings highlight a concerning trend of rising living costs, which have severely affected celebrations. In Nairobi specifically, a staggering 100 percent of participants reported facing financial hardships, while 91 percent from the North Eastern region echoed similar sentiments. The Rift Valley recorded that 83 percent of its respondents affirmed they were experiencing economic difficulties.
Beyond financial burdens, some respondents expressed a lack of interest in holiday celebrations, accounting for 10 percent of the sample. Additionally, 6 percent noted they would be working throughout the holiday period, and 2 percent cited religious beliefs, with one percent identifying as Muslim, alongside another one percent belonging to faith groups that do not celebrate these specific holidays. Personal circumstances also played a role, with some individuals stating they lacked family to celebrate with or were preoccupied with financial obligations such as school fees and purchasing books.
Utilizing Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) as part of its methodology, this survey achieved a response rate of 96 percent and maintained a margin of error of ±4.001 percent at a confidence level of 95 percent. This comprehensive representation covered eight regions: Coast, North Eastern, Eastern, Central, Rift Valley, Western, Nyanza, and Nairobi, with sample sizes adjusted in accordance with regional populations.
The economic landscape in Kenya has recently faced considerable challenges, leading to increased living costs that significantly impact citizens’ ability to celebrate traditional holidays. This survey is a vital tool for understanding public sentiment and the financial realities that many Kenyans confront, especially during the festive season, which is typically characterized by communal gatherings and celebrations. Understanding the reasons behind declining participation in holiday activities sheds light on broader socio-economic issues affecting the populace.
The Infotrak survey underscores the profound economic challenges that many Kenyans face, which prohibit them from participating in festive celebrations this year. With a striking 60 percent of respondents planning to forgo Christmas and New Year celebrations due to financial constraints, it is evident that rising living costs have dampened the holiday spirit across the nation. This evaluation reveals critical insights into the socioeconomic factors influencing Kenyans’ attitudes toward traditional festivities at a time when community and family gatherings are of utmost importance.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
