A survey conducted by Infotrak has revealed that Kenyans most affected by the harsh economic times are those aged between 18 and 26.
In the survey conducted between December 18 and December 19, 2023, 61 per cent of Kenyans within this age group reported struggling to make ends meet.
Only 4 per cent of this group reported living comfortably in the prevailing economic situation.
The report further pointed out that 16 per cent were operating in the red, complaining of severe financial distress.
In the same age group, only 19 per cent were neither struggling nor living comfortably.
According to the report, Kenyans from all age groups were struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living skyrockets. The rate stood at 55 per cent.
Only 5 per cent of those interviewed by Infotrak were comfortably managing.
As pointed out in the survey, 22 per cent were neither struggling nor comfortable while 18 per cent were in severe financial distress.
Despite promises to lower the cost of living, Kenyans were skeptical and predicted an increase in the prices of basic commodities.
About 46 per cent of Kenyans aged between 18 and 26 projected that the cost of living is set to increase alongside that of energy (61 per cent) and fertiliser (49 per cent) in 2024.
The age group further projected that in the next few months school fees will increase (72 per cent), while (59 per cent) predicted that the Kenyan Shilling will continue shedding against the dollar. Another (65 per cent) projected that unemployment rates would soar.
By the same token, 29 per cent of the group called upon the government to focus on lowering the cost of living.
Kenyans in this age group are among those widely affected by the unemployment problem in the country as most of them have completed school and are actively looking for level-entry jobs.
A section of this group has resorted to begging for jobs online, while others have either immersed themselves in self-employment or criminal activities to make ends meet.
President William Ruto has however promised to turn the situation around by creating employment opportunities for the youth through the Affordable Housing Project, Jitume Labs, and labour agreements with foreign nations.
