EXPERT: Right policies are needed to cushion Kenyans in tough economic times

Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) CEO Henry Ochieng /HANDOUT

A number of Kenyans are going through tough economic times mainly due to reduced purchasing power.

This could be attributed to a reduction in disposable income caused by increased taxation.

A casual look at the newspapers paints a picture of a struggling populace - several pages of properties being auctioned indicating the struggles people are facing in servicing their loans and honouring their obligations.

Majority Kenyans are struggling to pay rent and school fees and some have had to make adjustments like moving to cheaper neighbourhoods in order to make ends meet.

Cases of individuals being auctioned due to rent arrears have been increasing. The situation is alarming mainly in major towns led by Nairobi.

A high number of individuals are also struggling to meet their mortgage obligations and are forced to sell off-property at throwaway prices. Even so, buyers are not coming by.

Auctioneers are stuck with these properties including cars and household goods because disposable income has shrunk.

This tells you all is not rosy as being painted by statistics. Kenyans are struggling.

So what can be done? The Government need to do a thorough review of it's economic policies and come up with policies that will address the real challenges people are going through.

We need policies that will improve the purchasing power of Kenyans and make life bearable for them.

Consideration should also be given to specific interventions designed to cushion people against the tough economic times. 

Basic commodities should be made affordable and people centered decisions made to improve the situation.

 The writer is the Kenya Alliance of Resident Association (KARA) CEO.