A majority of Kenyans say their personal or household finances have deteriorated since the 2022 general election, according to a new national poll by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA).
The survey, released on 9 September 2026, found that 65% of respondents said their economic situation was worse than it was before President William Ruto took office. Twenty-three per cent said it had stayed the same. Only 12% reported an improvement.
TIFA interviewed 2,048 adults face-to-face across all 47 counties between 13 and 22 June 2026. The margin of error is ±2.18%.
The same poll found that 65% of Kenyans described the country’s overall economy as “very bad.” Only 2% called it “very good.”
The sense of decline was strongest in Mt Kenya, where 79% said they were worse off, followed by Western Kenya at 74%. Lower Eastern and Nairobi each recorded 69%. Even in regions where support for the Broad-Based Government is relatively higher, majorities still reported deterioration: 58% in Nyanza, 53% in Central Rift and 49% in Northern Kenya.
TIFA has asked the same question since May 2025. The share saying they are worse off has remained high throughout: 75% in May 2025, 70% in August 2025, 67% in November 2025, 64% in May 2026 and 65% in June 2026. The firm said the recent movement was not statistically significant.
Unemployment and poverty were named as Kenya’s most serious problem by 44% of respondents. Inflation, high prices and taxes followed at 25%. Together, economic issues accounted for about 69% of mentions.
The poll also found that 76% of Kenyans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, the highest level in TIFA’s recent tracking.
