Most Kenyans believe the country’s main problems are economic, with unemployment, poverty, hunger, and high prices ranking far above political, security, or social concerns.
This is according to a TIFA National Survey released on December 18, 2025.
The survey found that 44 per cent of Kenyans identified unemployment, a poor economy, and hunger as the country’s biggest challenge. This was followed by inflation, high prices, and high taxes at 23 per cent, while corruption ranked third at 20 per cent.
“For most Kenyans, the national crisis is not political instability or insecurity. It is economic survival,” the report said.
According to the survey, nearly half of Kenyan adults are working full-time. About 25 per cent are employed by others, while 23 per cent are self-employed. Another 15 per cent work part-time.
However, the survey found that 36 per cent of adults are currently jobless, whether or not they are actively looking for work.
TIFA noted that average monthly incomes have shown little change compared to previous surveys. This suggests that many households are still struggling, despite some reporting slight improvements in their living conditions.
The survey noted that food consumption may be supported by home production, remittances, or other sources not counted as regular income, which could explain why some families report coping better despite low earnings.
Most Kenyans across all regions said their economic situation has worsened since the 2022 General Election.
The highest levels of economic hardship were reported in Mt Kenya (83 per cent) and Nairobi (76 per cent). The Northern region recorded the lowest level of negative responses at 49 per cent.
Only residents in the Northern region reported notable improvement, with 36 per cent saying their economic situation had improved. This was significantly higher than Central Rift, where 23 per cent reported improvement. Mt Kenya recorded the lowest improvement rate at just 8 per cent.
When compared to TIFA’s two previous surveys, there is a small improvement in how Kenyans view their economic situation. Currently, 15 per cent say their situation has improved, compared to 10 per cent in earlier surveys.
At the same time, the number of those who say their situation has worsened has dropped from 75 per cent, to 70 per cent, and now 67 per cent.
However, TIFA cautioned that this improvement is modest and has occurred over a short period, making it too early to draw firm conclusions.
The survey also found a strong link between people’s economic views and their political positions.
Among Kenyans who oppose the BBG, 79 per cent said their economic situation has worsened since the last election. This compares with 55 per cent among those who support the BBG.
Meanwhile, 22 per cent of BBG supporters said their economic situation has improved, compared to just 8 per cent of opponents.
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