A new Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey has exposed widening public frustration over Kenya’s economic direction, with most citizens saying life has become harder since the 2022 elections and confidence in government institutions continuing to slide.
According to the TIFA national poll released in May 2026, the findings show a country weighed down by economic pressure and political dissatisfaction.
“The TIFA National Poll 2026 provides fresh insights into Kenya’s evolving political landscape,” the research firm notes in its official release, highlighting concerns around governance, economic strain, and political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The survey paints a bleak picture of household conditions, with a majority of respondents reporting a failing economy and a hard life.
About two-thirds of Kenyans say their financial situation is worse now than it was after the last general election, reflecting sustained pressure from rising living costs, stagnant incomes, and unemployment.
The mood is echoed across multiple indicators, with a significant majority of respondents saying the country is headed in the wrong direction.
“Support for the broad-based government drops to 30% in May 2026 from 44% in November 2025,” the report said.
The cost of living remains the dominant national concern, consistently topping the list of public grievances in the TIFA report.
From food prices to transport and fuel, households continue to feel squeezed. Fuel price increases in particular have triggered strong public backlash, with most respondents questioning the government's justification for recent adjustments.
As one analysis of the poll findings notes, Kenyans are increasingly linking economic hardship directly to government policy decisions, especially taxation and energy costs.
Beyond economics, the survey highlights a deeper trust deficit.
President William Ruto and Parliament both record negative trust ratings, reflecting growing public scepticism toward political leadership and state institutions.
The erosion of trust is not isolated to the executive. Parliament, according to the TIFA data, is viewed even more negatively than the presidency.
The poll also points to shifting political ground ahead of 2027, with emerging parties gaining visibility and traditional coalitions losing grip.
Media summaries of the findings indicate a tightening political field, with no clear frontrunner commanding overwhelming national support.
“If elections were held today, William Ruto would take the lead with 24%,” the report said.
Taken together, the TIFA report suggests a country struggling with economic fatigue and political uncertainty. While there are small signs of stabilisation compared to previous years, the dominant national sentiment remains frustration.
The findings come at a politically sensitive moment, as parties quietly position themselves for the 2027 elections, and as public expectations of economic recovery remain largely unmet.
