Kenyans are feeling the pinch of another surge in the cost of living as food, fuel, and rent prices climb to record levels.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows inflation remains stubbornly high, eating into household budgets.
Read: Balconies, Backrooms & Boot Sales: Inside Nairobi’s Silent Hustle Economy
Families say they now spend nearly half of their income on food, with unga and bread among the most expensive essentials.
In urban areas, rent hikes are forcing families to move to cheaper neighborhoods.
Small businesses are also struggling. Traders say consumers are cutting back, and sales are slowing down.
The crisis has forced Kenyans to improvise. Rooftop gardens and sack farming are helping families cut food costs.
Others are turning to carpooling or barter trade to save money.
Gen Z is looking online, making money from content creation, freelancing, and digital marketing.
Economists warn these tactics are temporary and cannot replace structural economic reforms.
Read: 10 Best Tech Side Hustles in Kenya You Can Start in 2025 (With Little or No Capital)
The government says it is working on subsidies and tax reviews, but critics argue relief is too slow.
Online, hashtags such as #LowerTheCostOfLiving capture public frustration.
For many households, survival has become the new national hustle.
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
You can support this publication via M-Pesa Till Number: 6166112.