Photo courtesy of The Elephant

A survey by GeoPoll, a Denver (USA) based agency that maintains offices in Kenya suggests, most Kenyans believe the current protests will have a positive impact in respect of pubic engagement, greater accountability and alterations in government policy.

The survey gathered responses from what the GeoPoll described as ‘a diverse group of young Kenyans’. Most respondents were aged 18-24 (62%), with a balanced representation of females (51%) and males (49%). A majority held college degrees (66%), while 52% were unemployed, and 20% owned small businesses. Respondents were predominantly from urban (48%) and suburban (25%) areas.

Note: The Kenya Forum was unable to verify the polling technique used nor the sample size.

Summary of GeoPoll survey results

62% of respondents reported participating in the protests, with the highest involvement among the 25-34 age group.

89% of respondents believed the protests reflected a general dissatisfaction with the government.

87% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the Finance Bill 2024 with 71% believing the bill would significantly increase their financial burden.

The primary reasons given for protesting were:

• The High cost of living corruption

• Unemployment

• Poor governance

Political distrust and government extravagance were the main reasons given for the continued protests, despite the Finance Bill’s withdrawal.

Most respondents believe the protests will have a positive impact on public engagement, policy revisions by the government, greater accountability, and economic adjustments.

However, negative impacts were also expected such as economic disruption, political instability and harsh rebuttal from the government.

74% of respondents said the government doesn’t adequately address youth issues, with 65% saying the government doesn’t listen to their voices.

Respondents highlighted the issues that need to be solved as unemployment, public participation, and better and more affordable education.

Younger respondents cited economic and anti-corruption measures as two of the key issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Media coverage of the protests was regarded as being mostly very good (47%), with television being the most trusted source of information (79%) and 50% and 38% looking to Twitter (X) and Tiktok respectively. Most respondents (60%) said media coverage had significantly influenced their views on the protests and the Finance Bill.

For the GeoPoll’s full results click here.