47% of Kenyans say political climate worsened in 2023 – TIFA
47% of Kenyans said 2023 was worse compared to 2022 in terms of political climate, a survey by research firm TIFA has shown.
TIFA on Friday, December 29, 2023, released the report of the survey that was conducted between November 25 and December 9, 2023, by telephonic interviews with 1,587 respondents from Central Rift, Coast, Lower Eastern, Mt Kenya, Nairobi, Northern, Nyanza, and South Rift.
While the majority of the interviews gave this year a negative score, 33% said the year was better compared to 17% who said the year was the same as the previous one. 3% were not sure.
"In the assessment of the political climate, less than half of the Kenyan population believes that 2023 witnessed a deterioration compared to 2022, while a notable one-third perceives an improvement.
"Earlier this year, Kenya faced a series of opposition-led mass demonstrations, culminating in heightened unrest throughout the country.
"The opposition subsequently suspended nationwide protests in April to engage in bipartisan talks. Recently, the opposition has issued veiled
threats of unspecified consequences against the government, citing dissatisfaction with its failure to address the rising cost of living," TIFA noted.
Sentiments across regions
As is the case with the cost of living, the highest negative sentiments about the political climate are recorded in Nyanza and Nairobi, which are strong opposition zones.
"The contrasting views held by Kenyans regarding the political climate, coupled with recent political developments, highlight a dynamic and nuanced environment.
"The mix of concerns, demonstrations, and calls for government accountability reflect the multifaceted nature of political discourse in Kenya," the survey showed further.
In the central region, 44% said this year's political climate was worse than 2022, compared to 37% who gave a contrary opinion, while 17% said it was the same.
On the coast, 47% felt the climate worsened, with 33% saying it was better, while the minority, 16%, said it was the same. In Nairobi, 56% claimed the climate deteriorated, with 26% saying it was better, and 15% said there was no change at all.
In Nyanza, 60% of the respondents said the climate was worse, 22% said it was better, and 16 per cent said it was the same as 2022. The margins in Rift Valley were not widely varied: 39% said the climate worsened, 38% said it was better, and 21% said it remained the same.
48% of the Western residents said the climate went from bad to worse, as compared to 31% who said it was better, and 15% said there was no change.
Post a Comment