The economy is at the heart of the electoral campaign a few days before the August 9 election. William Ruto poses as the defender of ” resourceful “. Raila Odinga promises aid of 6,000 Kenyan shillings, or around €50 per month, to the most vulnerable households. The presidential candidates have understood this well: the rise in the cost of living largely dominates the concerns of Kenyans, inflation rose to 8.3% in July.
With our correspondent in Meru, Albane Thirouard
In Meru, in the central region of Mount Kenya, agriculture provides a living, but the sector is in difficulty and the inhabitants are suffering the consequences, while the prices of basic foodstuffs as well as fuel have increased.
The atmosphere is lively at Makutano Market in Meru. Douglas Karani is a shoe salesman. This computer science graduate couldn’t find a job in his field.
” Even when looking outside my field, I find it difficult to find a job that pays well, explains the young man. Especially since now with 50 euro cents, you can barely buy a few tomatoes and onions. That’s all I bring home at night when I have three children to feed! “.
Measures against inflation
Francis Mwenda agrees. This electrician blames the government for the price hike. “ He took us in the wrong directionhe points. Everything is expensive today. Even transportation! Before, to go from the market to the city center, it cost 25 euro cents, now it’s 35. Uhuru Kenyatta let us down “.
The government has implemented a fuel subsidy program but the price at the pump has still risen in recent months. Alex Munene works for a travel agency, he hopes for a change of course after the elections: “ Lhe current government has done some good things in terms of infrastructure, like building roads, but it doesn’t help the people directly. The cost of living has gone up, many are unemployed… The next administration should instead focus on developing our industries and creating jobs. »
Aware of this economic crisis, outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a series of measures last weekincluding the halving of the price of corn flour.