A new national survey shows that a majority of Kenyans believe their economic situation has worsened since the Kenya Kwanza administration came into power in 2022. The poll, conducted by TIFA in August and September 2025, reveals a sharp rise in economic dissatisfaction compared to earlier findings from May.
How many Kenyans feel worse off today?
According to the survey, 64% of Kenyans say their personal and family economic conditions have deteriorated since the last election. This marks a 10-point increase from the 54% recorded just a few months ago. Only 24% reported any improvement, a drop from 29% in May. Meanwhile, the share of respondents who felt their situation had remained the “same” fell steeply to 7%, down from 25%.
The findings highlight that more households previously coping without change are now feeling the full impact of rising living costs and tighter economic pressures.
What is driving the worsening economic outlook?
The TIFA report backs widespread complaints about high taxation, stagnant incomes, and the increasing cost of essential goods and services. Many families say meeting basic needs has become harder as inflation and policy changes take their toll.
Among the most unpopular measures has been the Finance Act 2025, which introduced new taxes and further reduced disposable incomes. Combined with other government policies, these changes have fueled public frustration over the state of the economy.
How has the government responded?
As the Kenya Kwanza government marks its third year in office, it continues to defend its economic approach. Leaders point to the administration’s bottom-up model and structural reforms as long-term solutions that will eventually stabilize the economy and ease the cost of living.
Still, the survey suggests that most Kenyans have yet to feel the promised benefits. Instead, the sense of economic strain continues to grow, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current policies and their immediate impact on ordinary citizens.
By Lucky Anyanje
