Currency Controversy: Nairobi Food Vendor Sparks Debate by Implementing Dollar Charges
On Wednesday, there was widespread discord regarding the publication of an online menu from a renowned restaurant located in Gigiri, Nairobi County, which displayed meal prices in dollars.
The restaurant proprietor reportedly implemented a new policy mandating that all patrons pay for meals and services in US dollars, in light of the depreciating Kenyan Shilling.
As of Wednesday, November 29th, the value of one dollar in Kenyan Shilling was 152.73 units. This remains the case despite ongoing reports from business professionals in Kenya regarding a severe dollar shortage.
In a statement, the proprietor of the restaurant explained that the performance of the Shilling throughout the year influenced his decision to proceed in this manner to safeguard his company.
“As the shilling is unstable, we desire a stable business,” the entrepreneur stated.
In light of this, the proprietor of the restaurant recommended that patrons exchange their currency for US dollars at nearby foreign exchange bureaus before entering the establishment for their dining experience.
As the discourse among Kenyans persisted regarding the subject, an additional thread of thought surfaced in which a subset of observers expressed bewilderment regarding the exorbitant cost of meals at the restaurant under consideration. Chapati and a portion of legumes were priced at Ksh1,600 (USD10.99) on the menu.
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In contrast, the restaurant provides complimentary deliveries in specific regions of Nairobi, an amenity that Kenyans have characterized as a gesture of goodwill given the exorbitant cost of the food.
A subset of Kenyans reported similar encounters with establishments and establishments requiring dollar payments for services and merchandise to mitigate losses.
In the interim, Kenyan citizens have maintained their apprehension regarding the depreciation of the shilling, highlighting its role in the exorbitant cost of living. Numerous individuals have urged the government to take action to prevent the Shilling’s further depreciation against the dollar.
Kenya Power, illustrating the severity of the situation, proposed earlier in the year that tokens be priced in dollars to halt its losses.
Likewise, a September report by Knight Frank demonstrated the dollar’s impact on trends in the rental of office and apartment space.
Companies are avoiding office space, according to the report, because landlords now require tenants to pay in dollars.
Currency Controversy: Nairobi Food Vendor Sparks Debate by Implementing Dollar Charges
