As Kenyans embrace the Christmas and New Year season, the air is filled with both celebration and concern. Traders in Nyeri, a vibrant town known for its bustling markets and business hubs, are expressing mixed reactions to the economic climate during this festive period. While some anticipate booming sales, others lament a downturn in fortunes, painting a picture of challenging economic times.
For Peris Muthoni, who runs a modest food joint near the Nyeri Huduma Centre, the holiday season brings more challenges than cheer. With most of her clientele being government employees, she has decided to shut her eatery temporarily, shifting focus to catering services for the holidays.
“This year has been one of the toughest for me,” Muthoni shares. “The cost of doing business has escalated due to rising prices of basic food items. Sales have dipped significantly, and many of our dependable clients, including the County Government of Nyeri, have left bills unpaid. This has strained our operations.”
Her plight reflects the struggles of many small-scale traders navigating the economic hurdles of 2024.
Peter Kioni, a grocery and hotel operator in Nyeri, echoes Muthoni’s sentiments. Traditionally, December has been a peak season for his businesses, marked by eager customers and long queues. However, this year, the festive buzz is noticeably absent.
“Sales are alarmingly low compared to past years,” Kioni laments. “People seem to have lost their festive spirit, likely due to harsh economic realities. Previously, my store was a hive of activity in December, but now it’s a different story altogether. The same applies to my eateries, which have seen a consistent drop in patronage throughout the year.”
Kioni attributes the downturn to rising inflation and reduced disposable income, factors that have subdued consumer spending even during the holidays.
While some traders bemoan their dwindling fortunes, others in different sectors are experiencing a mixed bag. The public service vehicle (PSV) industry, represented by the Nyeri Nyena PSV Sacco, has seen a spike in holiday demand, albeit accompanied by its own set of challenges.
According to Sacco chairperson Peter Theuri, fares on key routes, including Nyeri-Nairobi and Nyeri-Nakuru, have been hiked due to operational realities.
“Our vehicles often travel empty on return journeys from Nairobi and other towns to pick up passengers heading to the countryside,” Theuri explains. “This imbalance forces us to increase fares to recoup losses. We’re simply trying to operate sustainably under the circumstances.”
Passengers now pay between Ksh 800 and Ksh 1,000 for routes that typically cost Ksh 400 to Ksh 500. Theuri acknowledges the dissatisfaction among travelers but defends the move as necessary for survival in a tough year.
“The PSV sector has faced significant challenges,” he says. “Some operators have lost their vehicles to auctioneers due to loan defaults, and the introduction of new levies at both national and county levels has compounded the situation.”
As Kenyans prepare to usher in the New Year, the mixed experiences of Nyeri traders reflect a broader national narrative of resilience amidst adversity. For many, the hope lies in the promise of 2025 bringing renewed opportunities and economic recovery.
In the meantime, traders like Muthoni and Kioni, alongside transport operators like Theuri, will continue to adapt to the evolving business landscape, navigating the highs and lows that come with the season.
