The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
A new survey by TIFA shows growing pessimism among Kenyans about the nation’s direction and their personal economic wellbeing.
According to the poll, 62% of respondents in 2025 said the country is headed the wrong way — up from 48% in 2023. The sense of disillusionment is most pronounced in Mt. Kenya (79%), Lower Eastern (73%), South Rift (70%), Nyanza (67%) and Nairobi (64%).
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Economic hardships and dissatisfaction with governance were cited as major concerns, with 70% of Kenyans saying their financial situation has worsened since 2022.
Mt. Kenya leads with 85% reporting deterioration, followed by Nairobi at 74%, South Rift at 72%, and Nyanza at 71%.
The controversial Finance Bill was highlighted as a key driver of hardship, with 82% saying it has pushed up the cost of food, transport, and utilities.
Additionally, 31% noted higher income taxes, while 21% reported reduced savings or disposable income.
Public support for the government has also fallen, with opposition rising from 54% in May 2025 to 64% in September.
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Meanwhile, 73% of respondents said authorities are not doing enough to investigate or stop extrajudicial killings and abductions.
On employment, the poll shows one in four Kenyans is jobless, while 25% are in full-time work, 23% self-employed, and 15% in part-time jobs.
The nationwide study, conducted between August 23 and September 3, 2025, interviewed 2,023 adults across all 47 counties.
