To most of Nairobi residents, January is believed to be the hardest month ever, and thus is nicknamed njaa-nuary.
It is in January that people will do everything to cut on expenses so as to sail through the remaining days.
And after being on a spending spree in December, there is no one to look up to for a soft loan as the monies are engaged.
Parents are busy looking for money to school fees, rent and other utilities, while the spendthrifts are nursing hangovers of the festive season.
As such, Kibera residents have devised survival means during this tough month.
When returning to the city from upcountry, you will see them carrying bags and luggages, some of which are difficult to carry and will only need the help of mkokoteni.
Isaiah Masinde who hails from Chwele in western Kenya shared with me his survival tactics for January.
"Madam, hii njaa-nuari inabidi pia wee ukue mjanja bure utakufia kwa nyumba juu ya njaa, he said (Madam this January,one must be brave or else she can starve,’’said Masinde on Monday.
"Mimi huenda ushago December pekee yake, lakini nikienda nitakua nimefanya kashopping ka kupelekea bibi na watoto. Kurudi ndio mtu anafaa kuchanjaruka. Lazima nibebane chakula kile nitakula njanuari."
I node my head to show him that I am interested in his story.
He then asks;‘by the way do you want me to speak English, I am also good at it.’’
I tell him that English is better. He sighs and continues with the chat.
"Yea, now let me just say the truth. I carry a lot of maize not only to see me through January but also for the other months. In January, many people have no money because we spend a lot in December. Also, this is a month where schools are opening so parents are usually busy looking for school fees which is hard to get, I prefer having my maize in the house so that I can save close to Sh100 every week which I could have used to buy maize flour from the supermarket,’ he said.
Now for those who have no idea on how to beat njanuary, borrow a leaf from Masinde’s idea.
Happy January ahead folks!!!