The lights are up in Westlands and the carols are playing in supermarkets, but for the vast majority of Kenyans, this Christmas is less about celebration and more about survival. In a searing critique of the nation's deepening divide, JKUAT lecturer Joseph G. Muthama has issued a clarion call to the nation's conscience, warning that millions are teetering on the brink of a "humanitarian crisis" as the festive season kicks off.

While the holidays usually signal a mass exodus to shagz and feasts of nyama choma, this year's mood is dampened by a brutal economic reality. The message is clear: for the "less fortunate"—a group that is rapidly expanding to include the middle class—kindness is no longer just a virtue; it is a lifeline.

The Math of Inequality

The numbers painting this grim picture are not just statistics; they are an indictment of the system. Citing a damning report by Oxfam, Muthama highlighted a disparity that should keep every policymaker awake at night:

• 125 individuals in Kenya hold more wealth than 42.6 million citizens combined.
• A top CEO in Kenya now earns 214 times more than the average school teacher.

"If these figures are anything to go by, then millions of Kenyans are navigating rough waters," Muthama noted in his commentary for the Daily Nation. This wealth concentration means that while a select few are planning holidays in Dubai, the average wananchi is struggling to afford a packet of unga, let alone a Christmas goat.

A 'Humanitarian Crisis' at Home

The drivers of this inequality are familiar enemies: stubbornly high unemployment, systemic poverty, and widespread corruption. These factors have skewed the distribution of the "national cake" so severely that the gap between the haves and the have-nots has become a chasm.

"Others are anxious because they have nothing to celebrate, thanks to hard economic times," Muthama observed. The anxiety is palpable in urban centers like Nairobi, where the cost of living continues to erode purchasing power, leaving families to choose between rent and festive meals.

The Call to Action

In the face of this structural failure, the immediate solution proposed is a return to the fundamental spirit of the season. Muthama urges Kenyans to look beyond their immediate circles and emulate the humility of Jesus Christ by extending a hand to those who have been left behind.

The appeal is specific and practical:

• Visit the forgotten: Go to children's homes, hospitals, and prisons.
• Support the lonely: Spend time with the elderly and distraught families who feel the absence of loved ones most acute during the holidays.
• Share resources: A simple act of benevolence can bridge the gap that policy has failed to close.

"Let's share unconditional love and time with the lonely souls," Muthama implored. It is a reminder that while we wait for long-term economic reforms, our immediate duty is to ensure our neighbors do not go hungry.

As we head into the peak of December, the choice facing Kenyans is stark. We can retreat into our gated communities, or we can heed this warning and ensure that the "spirit of giving" is more than just a marketing slogan. In a country where 125 people own more than 42 million, sharing isn't just charity—it's an act of justice.