There has been a lot of talk on the streets lately about economic recession indicators such as Negative GDP growth, Rising Unemployment, Reduced Consumer Spending, Business Closures, Decline in Investment, and Falling Stock Markets.

But how much do we really know about its effects on the common Mwananchi? 

Here are some of the common effects currently being experienced countrywide: 

Increased cost of living –Prices of common goods like food, fuel, and transport often rise due to inflation which in turn increases the price of basic commodities make it harder for ordinary people to buy the things they need every day. 

Job Losses and Unemployment –As economies recess, most companies are forced to downsize on human labor for them to stay afloat financially which in turn leads to loss of jobs for many people. In some cases, companies may end up shutting down completely if they fail to adapt quickly to the changes in economic environment. Informal sector workers, who rely on daily income, are especially vulnerable. 

Poor Access to Healthcare and Education- As finances tighten, families may prioritize basic needs such as food and shelter over healthcare and school fees as a survival tactic. On the other hand, the quality of public services tends to decline as a result of reduced government revenue which greatly affects lower income families who cannot afford private facilities. 

Mental Health Struggles-Heightened levels of unemployment and high cost of living are directly linked to an increase in mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. This leads to increased levels of violence and crime rates. 

Reduced Government Services –Lower tax revenue can force governments to cut spending on essential government services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In some cases, large-scale development projects such as affordable housing, clean water initiatives, or rural electrification might stall or be completely abandoned, slowing progress and worsening living conditions for many citizens.