This is why Kenyans are so unhappy
Kenya does not even make it among the top 100 happiest nations, according to the World Happiness Report 2017.
Algeria on the other hand is ranked as the happiest country in Africa.
Globally, Norway is the happiest country with a rating of 7.54, followed by Denmark (7.53), Iceland (7.5) and Switzerland (7.4).
The Report which is compiled by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations ranks 155 countries by their happiness levels.
It highlights a correlation between happiness and poverty, along with relatively new self-ruling and satisfaction with infrastructure.
key variables used to explain happiness differences among countries and through time includes; income, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on in times of trouble, generosity, freedom and trust, with the latter measured by the absence of corruption in business and government.
Kenya did not even make it among the top 100 happiest nations, coming at position 112 globally and 13th in Africa.
Only six African countries emerged among the top 100, and also make up almost all of the lowest 10 ranked countries for happiness.
At the very bottom of the list of 155 countries, is the Central African Republic (2.6), along with Burundi (2.9), Tanzania (3.3), Rwanda (3.4) and Togo (3.5).
So why are Kenyans so unhappy?
Despite Kenya’s capital city even being described as the city in the sun, it seems Kenyans are walking with a huge black cloud hanging over their heads.
The bewitching beauty of Mombasa and Maasai Mara has done little to lift their spirits.
Corruption, Kenya’s corruption index is so high that Kenyans have come to accept it, it does not help that institutions created to curb the social evil only pay lip service to the vice.
The county’s healthy life expectancy is also nothing to write home about, close to 40 women die every day while giving birth, hundreds more die from preventable illness.
Public officials put in charge of taking care of poor and sickly Kenyans have turned into monsters who loot Kenyans to the last coin even on their death beds, remember the Afya house health scandal?
Thirdly, Kenya’s income levels are meagre and in some cases even nonexistent altogether, 4 out of 10 Kenyans of working age do not have jobs. It is literally the jobless capital of E. Africa.
Financial institutions have not helped matters and have decided instead to pour oil into the ticking time bomb, since last year they have proceed to lay off workers in their thousands.
I don’t even need to talk about the shortage of maize floor and high prices of basic items like milk and sugar, I simply don’t have the energy and spirits to do so.
Add ongoing drought and the upcoming August polls and you yourself a very depressed Kenyan.
It is no wonder that Sipendangi Ujinga (I am not amused) trend went viral sometimes last year.
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