Majority of Kenyans report worsening economic situation under Kenya Kwanza - Poll

A national survey by TIFA, conducted in August/September 2025 and comparing the findings to a previous poll in May, shows a deepening sense of economic despair among citizens.

According to the data, a staggering 64% of Kenyans now say their economic condition has worsened since the election, a sharp 10-point increase from the 54% who reported the same just a few months prior in May.

The survey indicates that the feeling of economic strain is the dominant national experience. Only a minority reported any improvement in their circumstances, with those saying their situation had gotten "better" falling from 29% to 24% between the two polling periods.

The proportion of those who feel their economic situation has remained the "same" also saw a significant decline, dropping to 7% from 25%. The findings suggest that more Kenyans who were previously holding steady are now feeling the pinch of the prevailing economic headwinds.

The TIFA findings provide statistical backing to the widespread narrative of soaring living costs, high taxation, and stagnant incomes that have characterized public discourse over the past year as more families reporting increased difficulty in meeting their basic needs.

Recently, government has put in place unpopular policies, including new taxes and the contentious Finance Act 2025, which have further squeezed disposable incomes.

This overwhelming public perception come as Kenya Kwanza government marks its third year in power. The administration has consistently pointed to its bottom-up economic model and long-term structural reforms, arguing that these measures will eventually stabilize the economy and bring down the cost of living.

However, this latest survey suggests that the promised economic relief has yet to materialize.