A recent survey by the University of Nairobi Researchers shows that most Kenyans are dissatisfied with the government’s handling of economic issues.
According to the survey by Prof. Paul Kamau and Laura Barasa, “A majority of Kenyans say they or a family member went without basic life necessities at least once during the previous year, including a cash income (90%), medical care (68%), and enough food (58%).”
The survey also revealed that 61% of citizens describe the country’s economic condition as “fairly bad” or “very bad,” with many experiencing moderate or high levels of poverty (59%) during the past year.
Key concerns for Kenyans include health, the increasing cost of living, and unemployment, which citizens want the government to address.
However, 57% of respondents expect economic conditions to improve in 12 months. But, the current situation is dire, with 50% of Kenyans describing the economic condition of the country as “worse” or “much worse” compared to 12 months ago.
The survey highlights the challenges facing Kenya’s economy, including high inflation and ballooning debts.
Kenya’s real GDP growth was 5.6% in 2023, up from 4.9% in 2022, but the country is still struggling in the post-COVID-19 era.
According to the World Bank (2023), global real GDP growth in 2023 was estimated at 3.1%, down from 3.5% in 2022, while the sub-Saharan Africa region saw a decline in real GDP growth to 3.3% in 2023, compared to 4.0% in 2022.
The government’s poor economic management is a major concern, with 62% of respondents blaming it for the increasing cost of living.
Many Kenyans have had to request assistance from others to make ends meet, with 55% saying they had to ask family members, 44% friends or neighbors, and 23% religious, community, or charitable organizations.
