Infotrak: Cost of Living Tops Voter Concerns Ahead of 2027 Election

The high cost of living has emerged as the biggest factor shaping how Kenyans will vote in the 2027 General Election, according to a new end-of-year opinion poll by research firm Infotrak.

The survey, released on Sunday, December 28, shows that 46 per cent of respondents cited the cost of living as the most important issue influencing their choice of leaders. Anti-corruption and health services followed closely, each mentioned by 27 per cent of those interviewed. Education ranked at 26 per cent, while youth employment stood at 25 per cent.

Other issues influencing voter choice include leadership integrity, economic management, security, devolution and the provision of affordable housing.

The poll also indicates that President William Ruto would win the presidency if elections were held today. According to the survey, 28 per cent of Kenyans said they would vote to re-elect him. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i came second with 13 per cent support, followed by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 12 per cent.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino received seven per cent support, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was preferred by five per cent of respondents. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga each recorded two per cent.

However, a large number of voters remain undecided. The poll shows that 25 per cent of respondents had not chosen a preferred presidential candidate, while four per cent declined to state their choice.

On political formations, 32 per cent of those surveyed said they feel closest to the broad-based government led by President Ruto. The United Opposition coalition associated with Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa was supported by 22 per cent.

Another 17 per cent said they align with the Kenya Moja alliance led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and MPs Babu Owino, Gathoni Wamuchomba and Ndindi Nyoro. Meanwhile, 29 per cent said they do not identify with any of the three political formations.

In terms of political parties, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerged as the most preferred party at 23 per cent, followed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at 19 per cent. The newly launched Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by Rigathi Gachagua recorded six per cent support, while Jubilee Party stood at five per cent. The Wiper Patriotic Front had four per cent.