Six out of 10 Kenyans will fall behind on their bills in the coming months as economic pressures tighten, according to a new report by information and insights firm TransUnion Kenya.
The Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse Study found that 62% of Kenyans believe they will be unable to pay at least one of their current loans or bills in full in the next quarter.
To cope, nearly half (48%) said they plan to take on gig or temporary work, 34% will dip into savings, and 30% intend to borrow from friends or family.
Despite these pressures, the survey shows resilience among consumers.
“Kenya continues on its growth path, driven by resilient and value-driven consumers who are navigating a moderate inflation environment that’s inspiring cautious optimism.”
“By delaying spending on big-ticket items and finding ways to manage their debt effectively, consumers are signaling mature credit behavior,” said Morris Maina, CEO of TransUnion Kenya.
This has enabled 40% to pay down debt faster, while 46% increased their emergency savings, a five-point increase from the same period last year.
Also Read: Kenyans Pay More for Maize Flour, Sugar, and Fuel as Inflation Hits 4.1%
Kenyans Losing Jobs and Shutting Down Businesses
According to the report, although some families are making progress, many others continue to face hardship.
31% of Kenyans reported wage or salary reductions, 29% experienced job losses, and 26% said their household business closed or lost orders.
On the other hand, a third (34%) reported that someone in their household had started a new business, one in five (20%) recorded income increases, and 18% had recently started new jobs.
Despite these challenges, 42% of households recorded income gains in the past three months and 84% of respondents remain optimistic about their financial futures over the next year.
Moreover, inflation is the leading concern for Kenyans, according to 76% of respondents.
However, Job security (60%) and housing costs (55%) also ranked high on the list of financial worries.
Also Read: List of Companies That Have Shut Down or Exited Kenya in 2025
How are Kenyans Surviving?
The report has indicated that 61% cut back on discretionary spending such as entertainment, travel, and dining out in recent months.
Also, 30% cancelled subscriptions or reduced digital services.
Looking ahead, 55% of respondents expect to reduce discretionary spending further, 42% plan to spend less on retail, and nearly half (49%) anticipate postponing large purchases.
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