More than half of Kenyans are expected to forgo Christmas celebrations in 2025 as financial pressure continues to strain households across the country. Fresh data released by Infotrak Research and Consulting on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, shows that 55 percent of Kenyans will not be celebrating Christmas this year. The findings point to rising living costs, unemployment, and wider socio economic challenges as the main reasons behind the shift in festive behavior.
The high cost of living stands out as the most significant factor influencing decisions around Christmas celebrations. According to the survey, 67 percent of respondents identified rising prices of basic goods and services as the primary barrier to participating in festive activities. With essentials such as food, transport, rent, and utilities consuming a larger share of household income, many families are prioritising survival over seasonal spending.
Unemployment is another major concern highlighted in the data. About 33 percent of households reported that lack of income has directly limited their ability to celebrate Christmas. This reality reflects a broader struggle faced by many working age Kenyans who are either jobless or earning irregular incomes, making non essential expenses difficult to justify.
Beyond household finances, governance and education costs are also affecting festive sentiment. Poor governance was cited by 27 percent of respondents as a factor contributing to reduced optimism and spending. At the same time, 26 percent pointed to education related expenses, including school fees and related costs, which often peak around the end of the year and compete directly with festive budgets.
Why are many Kenyans choosing not to celebrate Christmas this year?
When respondents were asked to explain their personal reasons for skipping Christmas celebrations, affordability emerged as the dominant issue. A significant 78 percent said they simply could not afford to celebrate due to a lack of money. This response reinforces the broader economic picture painted by the survey, where financial strain overrides traditional customs and social expectations.
Interestingly, not all reasons were tied strictly to finances. About 16 percent of respondents said they had no interest in celebrating Christmas, suggesting a shift in attitudes or priorities for a portion of the population. Another 11 percent indicated that work commitments would prevent them from taking part in festive activities, reflecting the growing number of Kenyans working through the holiday period in both formal and informal sectors.
Together, these responses illustrate a changing relationship with the festive season, where economic realities, lifestyle shifts, and work demands increasingly shape how people engage with Christmas.
How does national mood influence the festive season?
Infotrak’s findings also place the Christmas outlook within the wider context of national sentiment. According to the survey, 42 percent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only 21 percent feel it is moving in the right direction. Although this marks an improvement from September 2024, when negative sentiment stood at 73 percent, overall optimism remains relatively low.
Regional differences further highlight how perceptions vary across the country. North Eastern Kenya recorded the highest level of optimism, with 42 percent of residents believing Kenya is on the right path. In contrast, Central Kenya showed the highest level of dissatisfaction, with 65 percent of respondents feeling the country is off course.
Gender also plays a role in how Kenyans view the national situation and engage with the festive season. Men were found to be slightly more optimistic about the country’s direction compared to women. Women, however, were more likely to attend church during the festive period, pointing to differences in cultural participation and coping mechanisms during challenging times.
Among young adults aged 18 to 26, negative sentiment was lower than in other age groups. However, a notable 12 percent expressed uncertainty about the country’s direction. This uncertainty may reflect political detachment, caution, or a wait and see attitude among younger citizens navigating a complex economic and social environment.
Overall, the Infotrak survey paints a picture of a Christmas season shaped less by tradition and more by economic and national realities. For many Kenyans in 2025, the festive period will be quieter, practical, and focused on essentials rather than celebration.
By Lucky Anyanje