A majority of Kenyans feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction, as revealed by a new survey.
The study which followed the nationwide protests spearheaded by Gen Z against the controversial Finance Bill, has shown that a majority of the respondents (72%) believe Kenya is headed in the wrong direction, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with current governance and socio-economic conditions.
Only a small minority (9%) think the country is on the right track, while 13% are ambivalent, choosing neither the right nor the wrong direction. Additionally, 4% of respondents are unsure, and 2% declined to answer.
The poll, funded by Intel Research Solutions Limited, reached out to Kenyans and gathered their views on the current state of the nation. It targeted Kenyan citizens above the age of 18, with the sampling done to ensure a representative sample per region and county. Data collection involved a national random sample drawn from a database, aiming for more than 40 respondents per region to achieve comprehensive county representation.
The study employed random sampling, and interviews were conducted through a call center. The sample size comprised 1,000 respondents, yielding a margin of error of 3% at a 95% confidence level. Detailed regional and county analyses were provided.
The data suggests that the most pressing issue for the majority of respondents is the high cost of living, with 77% of people citing it as a major concern. Unemployment is the second most significant issue, affecting 50% of respondents, followed by poverty, which concerns 37%.
Poor governance is a significant issue for 34% of the population, while 31% are troubled by extra-judicial killings.
The ongoing youth protests are a concern for 22% of respondents, and rampant corruption worries 21%. Poor infrastructure is cited by 15% of respondents, while increased insecurity and crime are a concern for 14%. Bad politics affect 13% of people, and tribalism is a concern for 12%.
Unequal distribution of resources is an issue for 10% of respondents, and 8% are troubled by a lack of cohesion in the country. Poor quality of education is a concern for 7% of respondents, and 4% believe wrong societal values are an issue. Finally, high taxation is the least concerning issue, cited by only 1% of respondents.
This data highlights the urgent need for the government to address economic issues such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and poverty, as well as to improve governance and tackle corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure deficiencies.
Meanwhile, in relation to the view that the country is headed in the right direction, a significant 45% of respondents view the appointment of the new Cabinet positively, suggesting that leadership changes are generally well-received.
An appreciation for the decentralization of government functions is reflected in the 30% who believe that devolution has made a difference. However, only 22% feel that the government is doing well overall, pointing to a relatively modest level of satisfaction with its performance. In terms of infrastructure.
– By Ann Precious Wangui
