Cost of living, unemployment emerge as top issues affecting Kenyans in latest survey

A recent survey by research firm InfoTrak reveals that the high cost of living is the top concern for many Kenyans.

The survey, conducted across all eight regions, found that 40 per cent of respondents identified this issue as a priority that needs to be addressed, followed by unemployment at 29 per cent.

This marks the second consecutive time that these two issues have emerged as significant concerns this year.

The report released on Friday also revealed that access to quality and affordable healthcare was ranked third, with 27 per cent of Kenyans citing it as important.

The survey further highlighted regional disparities in these concerns.

North Eastern reported the highest concern about the cost of living at 51 per cent, followed closely by Western at 50 per cent and Nairobi at 43 per cent.

For unemployment, North Eastern again led with 45 per cent of respondents expressing worry, while Nyanza had the highest rating for healthcare access at 36 per cent.

"Furthermore, the survey found that more females (42 per cent) than males (37 per cent) reported the high cost of living as their concern," reads the report further.

Additionally, respondents aged 46-55 years rated the cost of living highly at 47 per cent.

Other issues raised by Kenyans included corruption (26 per cent), transport and infrastructure (22 per cent), access to quality education (17 per cent), over-taxation (17 per cent), access to clean water (8 per cent), and extra-judicial killings (8 per cent).

The poll was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews.

The survey, conducted on October 9, 2024, involved interviews with 1,000 Kenyans across all 47 counties.