Tough times now shadow the allure of fasting period

Muslim faithful praying in Mombasa's Tononoka Grounds in March 2023. [Ishaq Jumbe, Standard]

"During Ramadhan, most Muslim families invite guests from underprivileged backgrounds to break their fast, meaning a family may host up to 30 persons in one sitting daily," Saidi explained.

"This has an immense financial implication on the benefactors thus the need to partner with other individuals in making this year's Ramadhan a success."

Nyeri County is home to some 8,000 Muslims spread in several Muslim-dominated villages.

Unfortunately, they are economically ill-equipped with limited sources of livelihood coupled with the prevailing economic environment which has necessitated Muslim organizations to provide Iftar relief.

The last two years have proved especially hard for most residents with families abandoning some of the niceties' meant to spice up the meals after fast.

Nonetheless, Muslims countrywide are determined to make the best of this year's Holy Month of Ramadhan.

Many have appealed to the government to articulate ways of reducing food prices both in the short run and in the long term.

They also have appealed to Nyeri County Government to allocate a trading space for residents of Majengo slums as a way of improving the livelihood of residents.

"If young Muslim entrepreneurs can be allocated slots in prime trading areas within Nyeri CBD, it would really help," Saidi said.