This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has been blamed by a significant portion of Kenyans for the country's poor direction, according to a recent Infotrak poll. The poll, conducted between June 22-23, found that 26% of respondents pointed an accusatory finger at the President.
The poll, which had a sample size of 1,048 respondents covering 24 counties, also found that the high cost of living, corruption, and unemployment were key reasons why Kenyans felt the country was headed in the wrong direction.
Notably, the poll found that the Opposition, led by Raila Odinga, was not performing its role, with 44% of respondents saying so. This is reflected in the 31% who said there was no Opposition.
Coast region recorded the highest dissatisfaction with the Opposition, while Nyanza, Raila's home turf, was the most satisfied. Western region registered the highest number of those who believed the country was headed in the wrong direction at 57%, followed by Nairobi's 51%.
Interestingly, North Eastern, where Uhuru enjoys significant support, had the most hope in him at 47%. However, Uhuru's grip on the bloc has been shaky, with several leaders vying to succeed him as the Mt Kenya kingpin.
Those interested in replacing him include Moses Kuria, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Mwangi Wa Iria, Peter Kenneth, Kithure Kindiki, and Anne Waiguru.
On the other hand, those who believed the country was headed in the right direction cited peace (49%), growing economy (16%), and good infrastructure (14%). The least cited was the implementation of the Big Four Agenda at one per cent.
Unemployment was listed as the top area of concern at 29%, with Nairobi being the most affected. Others included crime, food security, and quality of education.
Furthermore, 58% of respondents were not satisfied with the budget, with Nyanza residents being the least satisfied at 11%. Most respondents were unhappy with the budget because consumer goods such as maize and milk were taxed while fuel was not decreased.
