3 in 4 Kenyans Say Country Is Heading in Wrong Direction

A recent survey reveals that three-quarters of Kenyans feel the country is moving in the wrong direction. This dissatisfaction, the highest level since TIFA Research began tracking the issue, has surged from 68% in November 2025 to 76% in September 2026. Only 14% of respondents believe Kenya is on the right path, while the remaining respondents either have no opinion or did not respond.

The survey, which also covers economic conditions, policy issues, and institutional trust, highlights regional disparities in Kenyans' perceptions. Northern and Central Rift regions report the most positive views, while Mt Kenya shows the highest dissatisfaction, with 90% of respondents believing the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Nairobi and Lower Eastern follow, with 89% and 83% respectively expressing discontent. The survey reveals a strong correlation between political affiliation and perceptions of the country's direction. Supporters of the Broad-Based Government (BBG) are more likely to view Kenya negatively, with 88% of them believing the country is moving in the wrong direction, compared to just 14% who hold a positive view among those with no opinion on the BBG.

Economic conditions also significantly impact Kenyans' views on the country's direction. Those who believe the country is on the right track are more likely to report improvements in their personal or household economic situation since the 2022 General Election. However, a substantial portion of those who perceive Kenya negatively still view the country's direction negatively, suggesting that factors beyond personal finances influence their assessment.

The economy remains the most serious problem facing Kenyans, cited by 69% of respondents, followed by unemployment and poverty at 44%, inflation and high prices at 25%, and corruption at 19%. Crime experiences among Kenyans are also noteworthy, with 8% of respondents reporting that they were victims of crime during the first half of 2026.

This figure is consistent with previous surveys, though regional variations exist, with South Rift recording the highest victimization rate at 14%, compared to 3% in Northern and Central Rift.