Infotrak Report On Cost of Living and Unemployment.

Infotrak CEO and Founder, Angela Ambitho, speaking during the report launch at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi on December 16, 2024.

High cost of living has emerged as the most urgent issue for Kenyans, according to a new survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting. The study, which assessed public sentiment on President William Ruto’s administration, highlights the daily struggles facing citizens and outlines five critical areas of concern.

Of the 2,400 respondents surveyed across the country, a staggering 51% identified the high cost of living as their top priority for government action. Closely following was unemployment, with 36% of Kenyans expressing frustration over joblessness. Together, these issues reflect the economic hardships affecting millions of households nationwide.

Other pressing concerns included infrastructure development and affordable healthcare, each cited by 13% of respondents. Additionally, 12% highlighted the need for affordable education and support for small businesses. Meanwhile, 9% of respondents decried extrajudicial killings, urging the government to uphold justice and human rights.

The findings come as the Kenya Kwanza administration faces mounting pressure to fulfill its election promises. During the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto dismissed criticism from political opponents, asserting that their concerns were not based on facts. However, the survey results indicate growing dissatisfaction, with many Kenyans calling for immediate and tangible solutions.

In a separate but related report released by Infotrak, the challenges facing Kenya’s electoral system have also been spotlighted. At least 45% of Kenyans reported that they could not vote due to a lack of identification documents. This raises critical questions about voter accessibility and inclusivity in future elections.

Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho, speaking during the report’s launch, highlighted a worrying decline in public trust in key institutions. Entities such as the media, religious organizations, civil society, and even the Executive Office of the President scored poorly in trust ratings.