Nakuru residents turn to 'Neema ya Bwana' to survive Njaanuary
A display of fireworks at Nakuru Statehouse on January 1, 2024.
The festive season which was characterised by lavish spending among most residents has come and gone, and now we are right at the start of the infamous 60 days of Njaanuary.
Just as the name suggests, this period has for the longest time been characterised by being broke, accompanied with the heat from the scorching sun that makes it hard to operate during the day.
It is at this time that people come up with creative ways to survive.
Anthony Munga, a resident at Sobea says that the festive season has left him broke and the amount of food in his house at the moment cannot sustain him through the month.
"I opted to go back to my mom’s place just until I am able to get back on my feet. Luckily, I have an understanding landlord who said I can pay this month's rent in February," he said.
Another resident, Peris Wamuyu, says that she learnt the hard way from the previous years and managed to keep some savings that will keep her afloat during the month.
"At the end of 2022, I had overspent during the holidays and therefore when January came I was not able to pay rent and I even had to walk from Shaabab to town daily just to avoid paying fare. From that, I learnt my lesson and now I am wiser," she said.
Mtaa Wangu also run a poll to find out how the residents plan on pulling through this Njaanuary.
On X (formerly Twitter) 60 percent of the people said that they will be surviving Kwa Neema ya Bwana, while 26 percent said they will cut down on spending.
Seven percent said they will be taking loans while another seven percent said they would use savings earlier set aside.
Well, let the countdown to end month begin!