Tight budgets, road safety concerns cloud Christmas celebrations

Some of the wreckage from six vehicles lies at Sachangwan Police Post after being towed from the Migaa stretch along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway, following a predawn multi-vehicle crash involving two matatus and four lorries that claimed two lives and left several others seriously injured. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Messages of peace and concerns over rising cases of road accidents dominated this year’s Christmas celebrations amid concerns over the high cost of living.

A section of Kenyans gathered in churches and leisure destinations on Thursday to mark the birth of Jesus Christ through prayers, reflections and festivities.

But many families, facing the reality of a tight budget, marked the day with minimal spending. With the economy struggling, prices for everyday essentials like food, fuel and electricity have risen, leaving little extra money for celebrations.

Some Kenyans living in Nairobi chose to mark their Christmas festivities at the newly refurbished Uhuru Park after they were affected by the high cost of living and taxes they opted to stay in the city but found solace in enjoying various amenities in the recreational park on December 25, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

In his Christmas message, Martin Kivuva, Archbishop of the Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese, warned that drunk driving was a leading cause of road accidents that have brought deaths and injuries to several people.

“It is prudent that drivers must exercise utmost care and follow laid-down traffic rules in a bid to ensure that there are no accidents, particularly at this time of the year when families travel with their folks upcountry or choose to come on holiday at the Kenyan coast,” said Kivuva.

Some Kenyans living in Nairobi chose to mark their Christmas festivities at the newly refurbished Uhuru Park after they were affected by the high cost of living and taxes they opted to stay in the city but found solace in enjoying various amenities in the recreational park on December 25, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Archbishop Kivuva called on people from all walks of life to pray for the suffering multitudes in war-torn Gaza and other parts of the world currently in turmoil.

In Kakamega County, Joseph Obanyi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese, said the high rates of road accidents in the country were worrying and called upon car drivers to be careful and stop reckless driving.

Father George Munyaka baptizes children at Christ the King Cathedral church in Nakuru City during Christmas Day celebrations on December 25, 2025. In his homily to the gathered Catholic faithful, Father Munyaka urged Kenyans to mark Christmas with reverence and reflection, noting that many people today celebrate themselves rather than the body of Jesus Christ.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

“As we pray for those who lost their lives on the road due to accidents, we are calling upon our drivers to be responsible on our roads and stop driving carelessly to avoid deaths occasioned by road accidents. The rate at which accidents are happening is alarming, and it needs concerted efforts to stop it,” said Obanyi.

John Musungu, Chairman of the Kakamega County Boda Boda Association, urged members and road users to stick to traffic rules to avoid more deaths during this festive season.

Some Kenyans living in Nairobi chose to mark their Christmas festivities at the newly refurbished Uhuru Park after they were affected by the high cost of living and taxes they opted to stay in the city but found solace in enjoying various amenities in the recreational park on December 25, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

“I want to urge my people, drivers and road users, to exercise full responsibility by obeying traffic rules so that we can avoid any form of recklessness,” said Musungu.

Kakamega’s Woman Representative, Elsie Muhanda, who visited new mothers at Kakamega County General Hospital, called on police officers to intensify patrols and inspections on the roads and ensure road users obey the law.

“As we celebrate with the less fortunate in the community, we have seen many accidents happening on our roads. I want to urge our police officers to enforce laws and measures put in place to ensure safety on roads,” Muhanda said.

In Kisumu, a section of clergy urged congregants, church leaders and political figures to remember and support vulnerable members of society.

Some Kenyans living in Nairobi chose to mark their Christmas festivities at the newly refurbished Uhuru Park after they were affected by the high cost of living and taxes they opted to stay in the city but found solace in enjoying various amenities in the recreational park on December 25, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Winnie Owiti, Archbishop and presiding bishop of Voice of Salvation and Healing (VOSH) Church International in Ahero, called on Kenyans to support the less privileged in society.

“I pray that today, and in the days to come, will bring better times for all of us – days of hope, joy and peace. Jesus Christ came to give joy in a world filled with turmoil, just as we face uncertainties in Kenya today,” she said.

Despite harsh economic times bedevilling many Kenyan families, a number of them found their way to holiday destinations at the Kenyan Coast and other parts of the country.

At the Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, the annual Mombasa Food Bazaar kicked off on Christmas Day and is expected to end on New Year’s Day.

Residents enjoying themselves at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach (Pirates) in Mombasa County on Thursday 25th December 2025, as they celebrate the Christmas Day. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Chef Salim Omar, a Mombasa youth who took up space alongside many others, has been serving delicious and mouth-watering Swahili cuisine to hundreds of revellers.

“We are seeing good business since a mix of visitors, both local and international, are visiting to sample what is on offer here,” he said.

The Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC), through its chairman, Sam Ikwaye, said hotel bookings had picked up well, marking a good season that began with early school closures.

“We have over a 90 per cent occupancy rate across the region. There are beach patrols, and mapping of possible hotspots was done ahead of the festive season to ensure safety for all holidaymakers, with a multi-agency team taking charge,” Ikwaye said.

He said alternative accommodation such as Airbnb and private homes had also recorded impressive business.

In Nakuru, many hotels lit Christmas trees as part of traditional celebrations marking the birth of Christ, as they received many visitors, both local and international, celebrating in a unique style.

Some Kenyans living in Nairobi chose to mark their Christmas festivities at the newly refurbished Uhuru Park after they were affected by the high cost of living and taxes they opted to stay in the city but found solace in enjoying various amenities in the recreational park on December 25, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Mary Wamae, a tourist, described their Christmas experience in the park as memorable, citing close wildlife encounters during game drives.

“I’m having a good time with my family. We have gone to the park and seen different types of wildlife. This is a unique experience,” she said.

At Christ the King Cathedral in Nakuru, Catholic faithful turned out in large numbers for a special Christmas Mass led by Father George Munyaka. The service was marked by the baptism of 23 children, symbolising new life and renewal of faith.

Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron shaving street children on Christmas Day.[Rodgers Otiso,Standard]

In his homily, Father Munyaka urged Christians to look beyond feasting and travel during the festive season and instead reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

This year, budget constraints forced many people to limit their spending. According to North Rift Services ticket agent James Kinuthia, many people travelled earlier to avoid last-minute rush and hiked bus fares.

“You can see vehicles are taking so long to get a full trip. Many have decided to stay where they are and send whatever they have to their loved ones back home. Luggage this time round is more than people travelling, as people have opted to send parcels,” he said.

Young revelers enjoy themselves on December 25, 2025 as they dive into a swimming pool during the 2025 Christmas celebrations at Hotel Vannah in Migori town.[Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Jane Osuru, a traveller to Kitale in Trans Nzoia County, decried hiked bus fares, especially at a time when the economy is tight.

“I came here at around 8am and until now it is 2pm the shuttle is not yet full. I don’t know how I will get to Kitale to celebrate Christmas with my family. I have already paid Sh3,000 for a single seat,” she said.

David Mwendwa, a porter, said this year people have opted to send parcels and stay in the cities.

“We have transported so much luggage this time compared to other years. Kenyans in the city have decided to send luggage to the village rather than spend a lot of money travelling and go home empty-handed. Christmas is losing its cheer; it is becoming just like any other day. People are broke and unemployed, and there is no money to spend,” he said.

Compiled by Philip Mwaki, Benard Lusigi, Joseph Kipsang, Joan Oyiela and Yvonne Chepkwony.