According to a new report by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) Research, hunger and economic hardship are the two most pressing issues facing Kenyans in their communities, regardless of political affiliation.
The report, which was released on Wednesday, focused on the 2022 elections, the performance of the Ruto government, and the major issues affecting Kenyans.
According to the report, nearly one-in-five Kenyans (17%) say they and/or other household members “always” or “often” sleep hungry, while more than half (53%) say this happens “sometimes” or “rarely.” Only 29% say this is “never” the case.
According to the report, there is a slight difference in hunger experiences between supporters of the two main political coalitions, Azimio and Kenya Kwanza.
While 20% of Azimio supporters say they “always” or “often” sleep hungry, only 14% of Kenya Kwanza supporters say the same.
In contrast, 56 percent of Kenya Kwanza supporters say they “never” sleep hungry, compared to 44 percent of Azimio supporters.
According to the report, the most frequently mentioned problems that people face in their communities are the high cost of living, hunger/drought, and unemployment.
The report also evaluates the perceived successes and failures of the Ruto government, which took power in August 2022 after defeating Raila Odinga’s Azimio coalition.
The Hustler Fund, a programme that provides interest-free loans to small businesses and youth groups, receives far more mentions (29%) as an early success of the government than any other policy initiative or legislative enactment.
This applies to both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio supporters.
Subsidized fertiliser (5%), greater national unity (4%), and improved security (4%), are the next most frequently mentioned successes.
However, these are overshadowed by perceived government failures, which are primarily related to economic hardship.
Unfulfilled campaign promises (23%), high cost of living (22%), unemployment (18%), and corruption (12%), are the most frequently cited failures by respondents.
The report concludes that the Ruto government faces a big challenge in addressing Kenyans’ economic woes, particularly as the country prepares for another election cycle in 2027.
