Job loss in Kenya has increasingly gone higher since the coronavirus novel was first announced in the country in March. Apparently, the measures that were put in place to help curb the spread of the virus, were not favorable to the people. According to TIFA polls, there has been massive job loss, heightened insecurity, and a rising inflation rate on commodities over the last six months. Almost all the sectors of the economy have as well felt the impact of the pandemic. Even self-employed citizens. Income has drastically reduced making it difficult to sustain the current living standards.
Home Evictions due to rent arrears as a result of job loss
With 94% of Kenyans experiencing little or no income compared to before the pandemic, the economic sector is much likely to get affected. Especially when it comes down to the low-income earners living in the urban areas. Life has just become unbearable. More so to residents who have experienced eviction from their homes.
According to the data collected from the September-October survey, 75% of the respondents were sure of people who got evicted from their homes. Although the survey didn’t enquire whether it was as a result of job loss, one could easily draw a conclusion based on previous surveys.
For example, the April survey that was conducted revealed 33% of Kenyans were working. This number increased to 64% with respect to the latest survey. However, most respondents’ recordings were within self-employment, full or part-time jobs.
Lending a helping hand to the needy
With the rising tensions among citizens concerning the pandemic, the government has called out for help from people as well as organizations to come to the aid of its people. And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Kenyans as well as foreign aid have come together to help those in distress in these trying times.
73% of the respondents confirmed they were aware of these measures put in place for their sake. A solid 60% have affirmed of getting this help. From offering relief food to free masks as well as cash to help push through the pandemic. Sanitizers, free medical checkups, free water supply, and even jobs for the youths were at full disposal to the community. A good number was thankful to the government for being compassionate.
Donors coming to rescue
Nonprofit organizations like SHOFCO and Red cross were at the forefront in delivering these services to the people in need. Other organizations like, Give direct, World food Programme. Safaricom, AMREF, USAID, Miss Koch also chipped in. Many local politicians were also not left behind.
More:
- 7 Practical Things One Must Do to Avoid Poverty
- Coronavirus Could Push Half A Billion More People into Poverty Globally, United Nations Warns.
