Ten ways Kenyans are dealing with VAT Increase

There is no doubt that the increase of VAT on petroleum products has made life tough for many Kenyans.

Despite the fact that it is only petrol that is supposed to increase in price, the prices of most commodities have surged to exorbitant level.

Many Kenyans are wondering how products such as meat, eggs, water, soda and house rent have increased yet they don’t use or are not related to petrol.

Nonetheless, the increase in prices of various commodities has caused a toll on individuals and families. Below are ten ways Kenyans are dealing with the VAT increase;

1. Imposed Fasting

Many people can no longer afford lunch and as such, they have resorted to combining it with supper. After all, no one has ever died from absconding lunch. Those working in urban centers will be seen thronging in parks, to lunchtime services or just hang around the offices reading newspapers to kill time. Afternoons in work environments are characterized by dozing, or sleeping because the folks did not have anything for lunch.

2. Trekking to and fro Work

Common highways such as Thika superhighway, Mombasa road, Jogoo road, Kangundo road etc were not used to pedestrians in the mornings and afternoons. However, things are different today as many people who don’t have the extra fare have resorted to walking. It is not a wonder that somebody living in Umoja for example has to walk to Donholm when he/she wants to go to Nairobi Town to reduce the distance and hence; fare required.

3. Avoiding Luxuries

Going by the few people visiting butcheries, and entertainment joints, it is clear that Kenyans are avoiding luxuries like plague. The idea that meat is the chief cause of cancer, sugar is laced with mercury and is the lead cause of diabetes, and milk, margarine etc are contaminated is now being taken seriously by the citizens. These items are now being taken only when necessary

4. Back to the Village

Many people in urban centers have resorted to going back to the village since life is no longer tenable in the cities. For these Kenyans, they would better go where they are not bothered to pay rent, electricity, water and where food can be obtained from the Shamba.

5. Mass transfer to Public Schools

Parents whose children are in private schools are now resorting to transfer their children to public en masse. After all, there is no reason why they are paying tax without using them. They now want to experience the fruits of their efforts.

6. Private hospitals will be abandoned

The hard economic times has now forced many people including those that did not prefer visiting public hospitals when sick due to congestion to do so. Many people no longer have the luxury of choosing the best hospital but where they can access healthcare with minimum. The budget can no longer allow private healthcare facilities.

7.  Doing Side-Hustles

It is now common for one working to sell mayai boilo or samosa after work in order to add something to what they have gained. It is also common for people to take kdf, mandazis, ngumu or fruits to workplace to sell to colleagues for some petty cash. Some civil servants will be going to mjengo during weekends to get some extra cash.

 

8. Avoiding side chicks

Side chicks come with expenses such as rent, make-ups, salon, pocket money, school fees for her children etc. With the hard economic times, men will be avoiding side-chicks (mipango ya kando) since they can no longer afford to suffice their needs.

9. Avoiding Fundraising WhatsApp groups

The rate at which people are opting out (lefting) Whatsapp groups that are formed with the intent of collecting money for some purpose is worrying. So and so weds so and so, so and so school fee fundraising are no longer attractive to Kenyans. Form one school fees fundraising group, add members and you will be surprised on how fast many of them will left after a short while. However, it is not their wish but the economic situation is now allowing it.

10. Improvising

Many people have now improvised on how to reduce their daily budget. Leftover ugali is now being used as escort while women have shaved their heads to avoid salon budget. There is also a multi-purpose soap which is used for everything; bathing, washing clothes, utensils among others.