Nairobi Residents Divided Over Food Vendor's Dollar-Only Policy

The unveiling of a menu featuring meal prices in dollars at a popular restaurant in Gigiri, Nairobi County, sparked a fierce debate on Wednesday.

The restaurant owner has introduced a new policy In light of the unpredictable performance of the Kenyan Shilling throughout the year. Now, customers are required to pay in dollars as a means of protecting the business. The decision was made due to the weakening of the Kenyan Shilling, which has further worsened the scarcity of dollars within the country. As of November 29th, one dollar was equivalent to 152.73 Kenyan Shillings, prompting the entrepreneur to take this necessary step.

Therefore, in order to dine at the restaurant, the owner suggests that customers convert their money into US dollars at nearby foreign exchange bureaus. This has caused confusion among observers who are surprised by the steep prices for food at the establishment in question. For a fee of $10.99, the restaurant offers free delivery to certain parts of Nairobi, which is a welcome service for locals who struggle with the high cost of food.

In certain instances, Kenyans have found themselves in situations where they must settle their bills in dollars at different establishments. This measure is taken by businesses to safeguard against potential financial setbacks. Meanwhile, Kenyans are expressing apprehension over the declining value of the shilling, which is intensifying the already burdensome cost of living. Many are urging the government to intervene and prevent any further devaluation of the shilling against the dollar.

The consequences of this situation are clearly seen across different industries. For instance, Kenya Power has contemplated the possibility of implementing dollar payments for tokens as a way to minimize its losses. Moreover, a September report by Knight Frank pointed out how the dollar is shaping the rental market for apartments and office spaces. The report revealed that businesses are steering clear of leasing office spaces because landlords demand payment in dollars.