Public opinion is a powerful tool for shaping national dialogue. To better understand the issues Kenyans care about most, Kenya Polls conducted the “What Matters Most?” Survey in September 2025. The findings provide valuable insights into citizens’ hopes, concerns, and expectations for the country’s future.
Divided Hopes for the Future
When asked about Kenya’s future over the next five years, the responses reflected a nation both hopeful and cautious.
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50% of respondents expressed optimism, with 30% very hopeful and 20% somewhat hopeful.
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40% admitted doubt or pessimism, citing governance and economic uncertainty.
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10% remained neutral, suggesting hesitancy in predicting the country’s direction.
This split highlights a nation eager for progress but weighed down by systemic challenges.
Corruption Tops the List of Questions for Leadership
If Kenyans had one question for the President, nearly half (45%) said it would be about corruption and governance. This outpaced other concerns such as:
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Cost of living (25%)
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Unemployment (20%)
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Security and safety (10%)
The message is clear: Kenyans see corruption not just as a political issue, but as the root of many of the country’s struggles.
Daily Life Struggles: The Cost of Living Crisis
When it comes to the issues affecting everyday life, the high cost of living dominated with 55% of respondents citing it as their greatest challenge. Rising food, fuel, and housing costs are straining households. Other issues included:
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Corruption (20%)
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Unemployment (15%)
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Healthcare and education access (5% each)
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Insecurity (0%)
This reinforces the urgency of tackling inflation and making essential goods and services more affordable.
Who Took Part?
The survey revealed some demographic insights:
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Gender: 65% male, 35% female participation.
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Regional Representation: Nyeri (40%) and Nairobi (25%) were most represented, while other counties such as Meru, Embu, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Laikipia, Kakamega, and the diaspora contributed smaller shares (5% each).
The uneven distribution underscores the need for broader outreach to ensure national representation in future surveys.
What This Means for Kenya
The findings highlight two core themes shaping Kenya’s national mood:
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Governance and Accountability – Citizens want stronger anti-corruption efforts and transparent leadership.
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Economic Relief – The cost of living is not just an abstract issue; it directly impacts households daily.
Together, these concerns form the foundation of what Kenyans believe must be addressed to restore hope and confidence in the country’s future.
Based on the survey, Kenya Polls recommends:
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Strengthening anti-corruption frameworks and enforcing accountability.
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Implementing practical interventions to lower the cost of living and create jobs.
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Expanding citizen engagement to include underrepresented regions and voices.
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Improving communication from leadership to link reforms with real-life impact.
Lastly, the “What Matters Most?” Survey reveals a Kenya at a crossroads—hopeful for progress but wary of unfulfilled promises. Kenyans have spoken: tackling corruption and easing economic hardship are the keys to building a more united and hopeful nation.
At Kenya Polls, we remain committed to amplifying these voices and ensuring that the concerns of everyday citizens inform the country’s leadership and policy direction. Read More