The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A new survey shows that a majority of Kenyans are unlikely to mark the festive season this year, with financial challenges cited as the main reason for dampening Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to an opinion poll by Infotrak Research & Consulting, 55 per cent of respondents said they would not celebrate, while 45 per cent indicated they plan to observe the holidays.
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This represents a slight improvement from last year, when 60 per cent said they would skip the festivities and 40 per cent planned to celebrate.
Participants were asked whether they would celebrate the festive period “as you have in the past, spending time with family and friends and attending religious gatherings.” The results suggest that although some optimism is returning, financial constraints remain the biggest barrier.
Among those who will not celebrate, 78 per cent pointed to lack of funds as the main reason. Another 16 per cent said they were not interested, while 11 per cent cited work commitments during the holidays.
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The survey also highlighted regional differences. Western Kenya recorded the highest proportion of non-celebrants at 68 per cent, compared to 32 per cent who said they would celebrate. In contrast, Nyanza had the highest likelihood of celebration, with 52 per cent planning to observe the festive season versus 48 per cent who would not.
READ MORE: Kenyans Face Tough Christmas as Food Prices Soar
Age was another factor influencing festive plans. Most non-celebrants were aged 46–55, while younger Kenyans, aged 18–26, were the most likely to celebrate, reflecting a relatively optimistic outlook among youth.
For the 45 per cent intending to celebrate, the focus is on modest, family-centered activities. Spending time with family was the top choice at 53 per cent, followed by attending church or prayer gatherings (31 per cent). Spending time with friends accounted for 20 per cent, while 11 per cent planned holidays.
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Smaller numbers mentioned partying and drinking (7 per cent), staying indoors (6 per cent), or visiting the sick and children’s homes (2 per cent).
The survey also indicates a decline in traditional festive practices, with family time dropping from 63 per cent in 2024 to 53 per cent in 2025, highlighting how economic pressures continue to reshape the way Kenyans celebrate the holiday season.
