Mwelekeo TV has recently turned the spotlight on Kenya’s rising debt, breaking down what many see as complex numbers into real-life struggles that affect households every day.
The conversations on the platform, supported by research from Mwelekeo Insights, show how fiscal decisions in government directly shape the lives of citizens in schools, homes, and businesses.
With debt repayments eating into the national budget, families are left paying higher taxes, goods and services keep becoming more expensive, and jobs are harder to come by.
This is the reality of what experts call a debt trap, where borrowing more than the country can repay leads to a cycle of endless loans and shrinking development opportunities.
A debt trap happens when a nation finds itself borrowing again and again just to meet existing obligations, leaving less money for public services and infrastructure.
In Kenya’s case, this has meant that interest payments now take up a large portion of the budget. Mwelekeo Insights, through surveys and public opinion research, has been capturing the frustration that Kenyans feel about this situation.
Instead of presenting dry figures, they show how rising costs for food, fuel, and education are tied to fiscal policies.
In a recent Mwelekeo TV episode, host Fridah Mong’are simplified the discussion by connecting borrowing practices to everyday struggles like the price of maize flour and school fees.
Taxes have become the most obvious sign of the debt problem. With so much money being used to repay loans, the government has turned to higher levies to cover gaps in spending.
This has left families with less disposable income, while essentials continue to rise in cost.
According to Mwelekeo Insights’ research, parents are increasingly worried about affording school uniforms and books, while young people are discouraged by the lack of job opportunities and support for small businesses.
Funds that could have been used to build roads, supply hospitals, or train youth are tied up in repayments, leaving services stretched thin across the country.
Mwelekeo TV’s approach is unique because it mixes expert insights with public opinion, making economic discussions easier to follow.
Instead of simply analyzing figures, they highlight how real people are affected by decisions in government.
The program linked fuel price increases and unga fluctuations directly to borrowing practices, helping viewers see how distant budget choices impact their daily lives.
Fridah Mong’are guided the conversation with relatable questions that encouraged people to think about what the future holds if the borrowing trend continues.
One of the most important points from Mwelekeo Insights’ work is that Kenyans want transparency on how loans are managed.
Citizens are asking for clear details on where borrowed money goes and how it benefits the public. This could push leaders to prioritize investments that create growth instead of sinking deeper into debt.
The episode, now available on YouTube, ends with a call for viewers to share their thoughts and join the conversation.
Mwelekeo Insights has continued to connect big policy issues to daily realities beyond debt. They have pointed out how limited resources restrict opportunities for young people, including access to quality education.
In another segment, policy expert Angel Mbuthia explained how economic pressures affect youth and women, stressing the importance of education in breaking cycles of poverty. By connecting these issues, Mwelekeo TV and Mwelekeo Insights are showing Kenyans that they have a role to play in demanding accountability and better financial management from their leaders.
