Majority of Kenyans are concerned about their security more than anything else, new research has revealed. According to the survey by Ipsos Synovate, most Kenyans are troubled by the wave of insecurity in the country, thanks to the numerous terror attacks that have almost become the order of the day.

Many areas of the country have been hit by terror activities, including recently in Nairobi and Mombasa where grenade attacks were carried out. Often, it has also been noted, the President, Uhuru Kenyatta, leaves the country following these attacks, leaving other government officials to deal with the fallout. 

Other areas of concern include the high cost of living (38 per cent) and unemployment.

COUNTRY HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

60 percent of Kenyans are of the opinion that the country is headed in the wrong direction while 26 percent believe that it’s on the right track. According to the study, majority of those who are of the former opinion are from Nyanza and Coast regions while half of those in the rift valley and central Kenya are of the latter opinion.

A majority of the respondents (78 per cent) were also of the strong opinion that the Jubilee government is doing worse than the grand coalition government. Among the reasons cited were unfulfilled election promises, corruption and a soaring public expenditure.

According to Dr Tom Wolf, Ipsos Synovate lead researcher, irrespective of their political party affiliations, Kenyans agree on the need to tame the soaring public expenditure.

“Both supporters of the Jubilee and Cord seem to be reading from the same script as they are pretty united on the need to reduce public expenditure.” Wolf said.

SUSPEND LAPTOP PROJECT

Most Kenyans would prefer that the government constructs fully equipped computer laboratories in public schools instead of forging ahead with the laptop project for class one pupils.

80 per cent of the respondents who were opposed to the laptop project view it as a misplaced priority owing to the poor infrastructure in most public schools.

MARRIAGE BILL 2013

Following the signing into law of the Matrimonial Property Bill 2013 by President Uhuru last month, polygamy sought of got a leeway in the marriage institution as men would no longer be required by law to consult their first wives before marrying a second one.

58 per cent of Kenyans are of the opinion that a man should seek the opinion of his wife before he can consider bringing another to the union while 38 per cent feel that it’s not necessary for a man to consult the wife on the matter.

RAILA OUT IN 2017?

A good number of Kenyans do not want the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to run for presidency in 2017.

According to Synovate research, 61 per cent of Kenyans would prefer that Raila does not vie for the presidency while another 35 per cent want him to.

The opinion seems to be divided along political party affiliations as majority of Cord supporters (64 per cent) want Raila to remain active in politics and also contest for the presidency in the next elections while majority of the Jubilee supporters (66 per cent) want the former Prime Minister to retire from politics.

The Ipsos Synovate survey allegedly sampled 2,059 respondent living in urban and rural areas between April 28 and May 7 this year.