Kenyans devise means to beat high costs

By Kenfrey Kiberenge

The outrageously high cost of living has forced several Kenyans to devise innovative survival tactics.

Aware that price adjustments would be counterproductive, several restaurant owners in Nairobi have adjusted the amounts of food served, in order to remain in business.

A manager at a city restaurant who did not wish to be named for fear of losing customers said they had reduced the amount of food they serve as a result of increased cost of maize flour.

"Raising the cost of food would have seen us lose a number of customers so reducing the amount was the only way out," he said.

Already, he said, increased commodity prices had sent away many customers, who wanted to spend less on food, so as to pay for basic needs.

The transport industry is also feeling the heat of increased fuel cost with matatus and taxis the worst hit.

"I often engage the neutral gear to save on fuel although they (experts) tell us that it is harmful to the car," said George Kamuuru, a matatu driver on Gachie route.

Paul Odhiambo, a taxi operator along Moi Avenue in Nairobi, said besides engaging the free gear quite often, he drives carefully to avoid hitting another car that would make him surcharged.

"Now, I am more willing to give way to other motorists than before," he added.

Unconfirmed reports also indicate that some motorists feeling the pain at the pump are duping attendants to "fill the tank" before zooming off without paying.

"I have seen some attendants running after very big cars asking for money," said Odhiambo.

However, we could not independently establish the prevalence of the habit and if it exists as none of the oil marketers was willing to talk.