A new TIFA Research survey shows that public dissatisfaction with Kenya’s direction has deepened, with 76 per cent of Kenyans saying the country is headed in the wrong direction.
The figure, recorded in June 2026, is the highest in TIFA’s tracking period and is up from 68 per cent in November 2025.
Only 15 per cent of respondents believe Kenya is moving in the right direction, pointing to an increasingly negative public mood.
The survey also highlights continued economic pressure on households.
65 per cent of Kenyans said their personal or family economic situation had worsened since the 2022 General Election, compared with 12 per cent who said they were better off.
The proportion reporting worsening conditions has, however, declined from 75 per cent in May 2025.
TIFA says only 11 per cent of households earn more than 50,000 shillings a month, while 58 per cent of Kenyan adults are currently engaged in full-time, part-time or self-employment.
The survey further found that 65 per cent of respondents consider the country’s overall economic situation to be very bad, while only two per cent describe it as very good.
Economic hardship emerged as the leading concern, with unemployment and poverty cited by 44 per cent of respondents as the country’s most serious problem.
Inflation, high prices and taxation followed at 25 per cent, while corruption was mentioned by 19 per cent.
The survey found significant regional differences in perceptions of Kenya’s direction.
Dissatisfaction was highest in Mt Kenya at 90 per cent, followed by Nairobi at 89 per cent, Lower Eastern at 83 per cent and South Rift at 82 per cent.
Northern and Central Rift recorded the highest positive assessments, although only 38 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively, said Kenya was moving in the right direction.
