A Mask At Ksh 150, Unga At Ksh 120, What Will The Common Man Buy?

A packet of Unga is retailing between 110 and 125 shillings. Some brands are above that depending on the “class” someone is in. The price of a kilogram of sugar is retailing between 100 and 120 shillings in most shops. A whole bar of Jamaa soap is going for 125 shillings.

A mask that the government says should retail at 20 shillings is retailing between 150 and 200 shillings in both pharmacies and supermarkets. Now, if the common man went to the shop, of the things listed above, what will he buy? Unga or mask?

President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that it was mandatory for Kenyans to wear masks while in public. In fact, people have started being arrested in some parts like Kasarani for not wearing masks. Some are paying as much as 2,000 shillings to be released by police upon being arrested.

Supermarkets have moved to impose the directive from the President. Naivas Supermarket, for instance, no customer is allowed to enter without a mask on. This is a good move but has someone stopped and looked at the prices?

Kenyans have resorted to buying masks on the streets which are going for 50 shillings. Affordable. Yes. But are they safe? Are they of the recommended standard? Are people selling them safe?

Unscrupulous businesses have taken advantage of the directive to wear a mask in public to increase the prices of the same. They are actually making a fortune over the misfortune of many.

If wearing a mask is a must, what is the government doing to make sure that everyone has it? As usual, the easiest solution for them is to use the police. But are the majority of Kenyans refusing to wear masks or it just because they cannot afford it?

It also ironic when the police arrest people for not wearing masks when the police themselves are not wearing one.

READ: Kenyans Received A Raw Deal, See What Other Presidents Are Doing