Several protest rallies participated by opposition parties and citizens have recently been carried out in Kenya over rising living costs. According to multiple sources including CNN, a wave of protests against William Ruto’s government has recently been carried out in the capital and other cities driven by the rise in living costs that affected many Kenyans, along with the recent hike in tax on petroleum products and businesses. Clashes have occurred between law enforcing officials and protesters. Protests have led to the death of more than fifty protesters — though the government denies the stated number of death and says it to be less — along with hundreds arrested, businesses attacked and schools closed in the East African country.
It is pertinent to note that the rising living cost in Kenya has become a major concern for its citizens in recent months. The prices of many commodities such as cooking flour, electricity, fuel, sugar, milk and transportation have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for many people to afford a decent standard of living. Additionally, the inflation rate has been steadily increasing. The increase in expenses has in the meantime exacerbated the financial burden on individuals and families and impacted various aspects of daily life. Additionally, the rising living costs have affected businesses, with many struggling to stay afloat due to decreased consumer spending power. But the lower segment of people struggling to make ends meet is bearing the brunt of the rising living cost in the country.
There are economic, governance based and other causes of the recent rise in the living cost. Inflation and the devaluation of the Kenyan currency are definitely crucial causes. Inflation — driven by the ongoing Ukraine war and several other causes — has played a significant role in driving up prices across various sectors including food and transportation. The depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against major currencies affected the cost of imported goods and services, leading to the recent increase in living expenses. Among other causes, the worst drought in decades, inadequate transportation systems and government corruption, which has led to the mismanagement of the Kenyan economy and hindered economic growth, have resulted in higher costs of living. But limited income opportunities badly affected many Kenyans.
Kenya has taken several steps to address the rising costs of living, burdened by debt, inflation and weakening shilling, which has been going on for several years, though it has sharply risen in recent months. To reduce dependency on imports and stabilize food prices, Kenya has focused on promoting local industries and increasing agricultural productivity. The Kenyan government has also been responding to the recent inflation with measures including tightening monetary policy and addressing supply chain issues, along with revoking maize subsidies and stopping cartels and brokers that inflate prices. But efforts are not enough for curbing the rising prices in Kenya. There was an inadequate implementation of policies, along with a lack of transparency in resource allocation and other limitations.
It is desired that the concerns of the protesters including the financial burden on Kenyans and the rising cost of living are heeded by the authorities. The Kenyan government needs to reduce the skyrocketing price to a tolerable level. It is also imperative to increase the availability and affordability of essential goods and services. Since the government is facing several challenges including reduced economic growth and growing debt repayments, measures including the imposition of taxes may be helpful. But the government needs to make a superb balance between taxation and reducing the burden on the lower segment of the people. Encouraging investment in renewable energy sources including solar power can contribute to tackling rising living costs.
But the Kenyan government also needs to improve its economic conditions and provide more income opportunities. While providing fuel and electricity at a reduced price may encourage the investment needed for long term economic growth and creating more income opportunities may be helpful for facing the repeatedly rising cost of living in Kenya. But, along with addressing the economic concerns of the country, the government needs to stop killing protesters and the use of lethal force in protests. According to multiple sources, largely peaceful protests in Nairobi have often turned violent after police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. It is also desired that protests are carried out in a peaceful manner.
