Photo courtesy of the Friedrich Nauman Foundation

A survey by Tifa Research published yesterday suggests 81 percent of Kenyans support the GenZ protests with backing for the campaign for better governance and action on the high cost of living coming from across the political spectrum and regional divides.

Support across the age ranges

The highest level of support for the GenZ protesters came from 18-34 age group (83 percent). The 35 and above age groups however also recorded at high level of support with 80 percent of responders backing the campaign.

Support across the regions

Regionally, Nairobi recorded the highest level of support at 90 percent but there was also broad support from all other regions in Kenya with Nyanza at 89 percent, Central 88, North East 83, Eastern 81, Cost 80, Western 79 and Rift Valley 73.

Support across the political divide

The GenZ campaign also straddles the political divide in Kenya. The Tifa survey found that 91 percent of Azimio supporters back the campaign as do 79 percent of Kenya Kwanza
11 percent of respondents said they had taken to the streets in support of the GenZ campaign and a further 16 percent had protested on social media.

GenZ – the issues

The Tifa Research survey found that the campaigners’ demands range from cutting government spending to greater accountability for public servants.

Other issues revealed in the survey are for the government to cut costs and ‘save resources’ (25 percent of respondents); action taken to address youth unemployment (21 percent); a lowering of the high cost of living (18 percent); for the government to enhance the fight against corruption (14 percent); and 12 percent of responders who want President William Ruto to resign.

Quoted in The Daily Nation, Tifa Research Executive Director Maggy Ireri said, “Their [GenZ] leaderless and partyless stance underscores a deep disillusionment with traditional political structures, seeking to carve out a new path that truly represents their interests and aspirations.”

To date at least 50 Kenyans are believed to have been killed by the police

The Tifa Survey was conducted on July 16 and 17, with responses by telephone from 1,507 people aged 18 and above.

For full Tifa Research survey findings click here.