This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
A new survey has shed light on the public's perception of the government's COVID-19 response, with a significant majority expressing dissatisfaction with the efforts.
Conducted by Trends Insight For Africa (TIFA) between June 2 and 15, the survey found that only 33% of respondents in Nairobi's informal settlements rated the government's response as 'somewhat effective.'
According to the survey, which was co-sponsored by the Canada High Commission in Kenya and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (Kenya), there has been a decline in approval ratings since the previous poll, with only 40% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the government's response.
Notably, 9% of respondents described the government's response as inadequate, while 23% scored it as average. A further 17% said the government had failed to provide necessary support.
Despite the government's efforts, many Kenyans are still struggling to access essential services. The survey found that 62% of respondents knew someone who had received cash support, while 59% said they were familiar with people who had received food relief assistance.
However, the survey also noted that the government is not alone in providing assistance to vulnerable populations, with various non-state benefactors and foreign/international entities also playing a role.
Looking ahead, the survey found that 40% of respondents predicted an increase in crime if there are minimal changes in provision of assistance to vulnerable populations. A further 32% predicted an increase in hunger, while 4% and 3% cited increased violent riots and peace protests respectively.
