A recent survey conducted by Infotrak has revealed that a majority of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the survey, 58% of respondents indicated that they feel Kenya is on the wrong path.
This perception varied across different regions, with the Coastal, Nyanza, and Western regions recording the highest levels of concern.
In contrast, Rift Valley and Nairobi emerged as regions where a notable proportion of respondents expressed optimism about the country’s direction.
The survey, which sampled 1000 adult Kenyans across all 47 counties, was conducted through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI).
Factors Shaping Perceptions
Infotrak research boasted a high response rate of 94% and employed meticulous data analysis using SPSS v26 to ensure reliability and validity of the findings.
Gender and age also played a role in shaping perceptions, with both genders sharing similar concerns, but younger demographics showing slightly higher levels of optimism compared to older age groups.
“While both genders share a similar concern, with around 59% of females and 68% of males perceiving a negative trajectory, differences emerge across age brackets. The younger demographic, particularly those between 18-26 years old, exhibits a slightly higher inclination towards optimism compared to their older counterparts,” reveals Infotrak Poll 2024.
Key concerns driving the negative perception as per the poll include the high cost of living, unemployment, poor governance, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure.
Also Read: Infotrak Survey Shows 62% of Kenyans Believe Kenya is Headed in the Wrong Direction
“The high cost of living stands out as a primary issue, resonating with a significant majority (64%) of respondents. Unemployment follows closely, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable economic opportunities. Additionally, poor governance, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure compound the challenges, painting a complex picture of systemic issues that demand attention,” states Infotrak poll.
However, amidst these concerns, there are reasons for optimism.
Some respondents highlighted the presence of peace in the country, advancements in healthcare and education, and the effective functioning of certain governmental institutions as sources of hope.
“A notable proportion of respondents (31%) highlight the presence of peace in the country as a reason for optimism. Furthermore, advancements in healthcare and education, coupled with the effective functioning of certain governmental institutions, offer rays of encouragement amidst the gloom,” noted the report.
Government Extravagant Spending
Amidst growing concerns among Kenyans about the country’s direction, a recent report by the Controller of Budget (CoB), Margaret Nyakang’o, shed light on extravagant hospitality expenditures within the government.
According to the national government budget implementation review report for the first half of the 2023/2024 financial year, both the State House and the Office of the President outspent other government departments in this regard, totaling Ksh 653.5 million.
State House alone incurred expenses of Ksh 429.9 million, while the Office of the President contributed an additional Ksh 223.5 million towards items such as entertainment and food.
Also Read: Aisha Jumwa, Kuria and Mutua Among CSs with D – Infotrak
The report highlighted other spenders as well with the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, under the leadership of Kithure Kindiki ranked among the top spenders, with expenditures totaling Ksh 291.1 million.
Additionally, the Office of the Deputy President, overseen by Rigathi Gachagua, allocated Ksh 206.9 million towards hospitality expenses.
The survey also ranked the overall performance of President Ruto in 2023 as poor with 41% of respondents indicating lack of trust in the presidency.
