HOMA BAY, Kenya, Oct 28 – The residents of Homa Bay County are concerned about the high cost of living that is currently affecting many Kenyans, especially the lower class.
They say that they are merely surviving and are now calling on the government to step in and salvage the situation so that life can be a bit bearable for them.
The locals lamented that such hard economic times have never been experienced before and they are uncertain about what the future holds for them.
They are also concerned about their health saying that they are now forced to skip some meals as they are unable to afford the three meals a day, a situation that has seen their children going to school on empty stomachs a number of times.
Cindy Achieng’, a trader within Homa Bay Municipal market, lamented that life has become hard since the upsurge in prices of commodities.
“We want the government to reduce the prices of essential commodities like cooking oil, sugar and flour. We are suffering and the meager earnings we get from our businesses go to purchasing these commodities for our households,” said Achieng’.
“Problems have piled up and our children are at home since we cannot afford to raise money for their fees. We depend on our businesses to survive. Previously we used to sell two kilograms of potatoes at sh150 but now we do that at sh300 and so customers rarely buy them, we are at a loss,” Adhiambo decried.
Before, the traders would buy a sack of potatoes at Sh3000 but now they are going at Sh6000 which is double the amount. Vegetables were sold at Sh500 a sack but not anymore as the price has doubled too.
“This is frustrating and at the same time disheartening for us traders since customers are complaining of the double price that we are now charging for our goods,” she added.
Speaking to KNA, Walter Opiyo, the speaker Homa Bay County Bunge La Wenyenchi expressed his fear of a likelihood of a famine in the near future and pointed out that they don’t expect any produce from their farms due to unreliable rainfall.
“We have investigated thoroughly as Bunge La Wenyenchi and we have come to the knowledge of a likely famine because of lack of food as well as worsening economy in the country,” he said.
“One can hardly afford three meals since the increase in prices of basic commodities in the market and the farms which are our only hope have little to give. This is very detrimental to our health,” he said.
The speaker said that there is need for preparedness to counter the situation and urged MCAs to table the matter at the county assembly and look for solutions, adding that relief food is not enough.
“This catastrophe that has never been seen before is coming and will see a lot of people dying out of hunger. It will take time to be salvaged. There is a change in climate such that the long rainy seasons are no longer there,” Opiyo said.
Opiyo asked the government to assess the situation by going on the ground before a solution can be arrived at. He said that there is also a need for public participation so that citizens can give their opinions regarding the situation.
Rachuonyo North Sub-County is one of the areas in Homa Bay County, which has for a long time been susceptible to drought.
Isdorah Aketch, a resident of the area said that it is unfortunate that they have been toiling on their farms and spending a lot of funds while planting and weeding, but with no hope because the crops have withered due to the current drought.
“We have tried our best as farmers, but now we have no hope and I can foresee a serious famine ahead of us as a result of lack of rain, “said Aketch.
Meanwhile, fishermen at Nduru beach in Lambwe Ward, Suba North constituency are counting losses after fishing activities were halted due to lack of fish.
This is attributed to pollution of the waters of Lake Victoria for a period of two months forcing more than 200 fishermen and boat owners to withdraw their fishing gear from the lake as a result of shortage of fish.
As fishing activities have been stopped, the community around the lake which has solely depended on fishing has been rendered jobless and hence is unable to sustain its daily needs.
Homa-Bay County Beach Management Unit chair Edward Oremo said the situation started in early July this year and continues to worsen forcing them to suspend activities in the lake until the matter is solved.
