Fewer Kenyans to travel during Easter

Only two out of every ten Kenyans will be travelling to a different location to celebrate this year’s Easter weekend.

This minimal number goes against the widely expected norm — that of travellers crowded in bus stations as they wait to travel upcountry to enjoy the long weekend with their loved ones.

But this it also a source of hope for those planning to travel, as they may neither experience long queues nor increased fares as has been the case in the past.

A survey conducted by Ipsos-Synovate Kenya has revealed that more Kenyans are now content with staying put wherever they live rather than move to a different place during this Easter that has come early in the month of April compared to the other recent ones.

Month-end salary

Most would have been expected to take advantage of the availability of month end salary to take a drive to their favourite destinations and have a festive moment.

That does not seem the case this time round. The survey found that only 17 per cent of Kenyans will travel despite having a huge section of the population — 84 per cent — preparing celebrations to mark the season.

The study carried out between March 28 and April 3 interestingly reveals the religiosity ingrained in the hearts of many, as once again, churches will certainly be full.

It has often been claimed by many Christian organisations that the country is 80 per cent Christianity-oriented. That is going to be exemplified this Easter as 88 out of 100 Kenyans will make a date with their churches.

Gifts will be exchanged, but only five in ten will buy a gift, an indication that a number of people may not get a present or two as is the case with other festive seasons such as Valentine and Christmas, normally celebrated with much vigour and enthusiasm and coated with many gifts.

Perhaps, as an indication of the slimming pockets preyed on by high inflation, rising cost of living and expensive food, fewer people will use their money specifically for Easter activities over the four days.

Forty-two per cent will spend more than last year’s amount, 26 per cent spend less while seven per cent would stick to the same amount used previously.

“Although Easter has its fair share of consumerism attached to it, the level of spending during the period does not even come close to that of Christmas and Valentine’s Day,” the study says.

Spouses would get fairer attention as their partners, however, they would have to fight for that time with their partner’s friends as they would be given almost equal amount of time.

The study indicates that while 39 per cent would be with their spouses, 19 per cent would be with their friends as well. It is not clear who the remaining 20 per cent will spend time with.

The survey also covered two other East African countries — Uganda and Tanzania — and found out varying behaviour compared to Kenyans.

For instance, most Ugandans (58 per cent) will hit the road, travelling to different places to spend Easter while Tanzanians would travel least (5 per cent).

But they will worship too as 86 and 81 per cent of Ugandans and Tanzanians respectively would attend church services to mark the season worldly observed by Christians as the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected.

Tanzanians will be the less extravagant as they will spend less, but at least they will buy a gift. Though Ugandans will be travelling a lot, it appears they will be moving around with empty hands as they will least purchase a gift for their loved ones.

The survey interviewed 2,024 Kenyans, 1,024 Ugandans and 676 Tanzanians and captures different preferences of the people in the East African region.