Mt Kenya Emerges as Epicentre of National Discontent in Latest TIFA Poll
The findings point to widespread economic anxiety and highlight Mt Kenya as the region expressing the strongest discontent, underscoring shifting political and social dynamics.
The survey, released on December 18, 2025, was conducted between November 10 and 17 and sampled 2,053 adults across all 47 counties.
The survey, released on December 18, 2025, was conducted between November 10 and 17 and sampled 2,053 adults across all 47 counties.
According to the results, 68 per cent of respondents said Kenya is on the wrong path, while only 17 per cent expressed optimism that the country is moving in the right direction. The remaining respondents were either unsure or declined to answer.
TIFA’s data shows that pessimism cuts across regions, though its intensity varies geographically. Residents of Mt Kenya recorded the highest level of dissatisfaction, with 83 per cent saying the country is on the wrong track.
TIFA’s data shows that pessimism cuts across regions, though its intensity varies geographically. Residents of Mt Kenya recorded the highest level of dissatisfaction, with 83 per cent saying the country is on the wrong track.
This is particularly notable given the region’s historical political influence and its past role as a key support base for successive governments.
Other regions also posted high levels of dissatisfaction. Lower Eastern followed closely with 76 per cent of respondents expressing negative views, while the Coast and Nairobi both registered 73 per cent.
Other regions also posted high levels of dissatisfaction. Lower Eastern followed closely with 76 per cent of respondents expressing negative views, while the Coast and Nairobi both registered 73 per cent.
South Rift recorded 70 per cent, Nyanza 69 per cent, and Western 67 per cent. In contrast, the Northern region and Central Rift were relatively less pessimistic, though negative sentiment still outweighed optimism. In these two regions, 49 per cent and 45 per cent respectively said the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Even in regions with comparatively higher optimism, positive views failed to reach a majority.
Northern Kenya emerged as the most hopeful region, yet only 40 per cent of respondents there believed the country was moving in the right direction.
Central Rift followed with 32 per cent, reinforcing the overall national picture of limited confidence in Kenya’s current trajectory.
Economic conditions appear to be the dominant driver of these perceptions. Across all regions, large majorities reported that their personal or household economic situations have worsened since the last general election.
Economic conditions appear to be the dominant driver of these perceptions. Across all regions, large majorities reported that their personal or household economic situations have worsened since the last general election.
Mt Kenya and Nairobi again stood out, with 83 per cent and 76 per cent of respondents respectively saying their economic circumstances had deteriorated.
Northern Kenya recorded the lowest proportion of respondents reporting worsening conditions at 49 per cent and the highest share saying their situation had improved, at 36 per cent. Central Rift followed, with 23 per cent reporting improvement.
Northern Kenya recorded the lowest proportion of respondents reporting worsening conditions at 49 per cent and the highest share saying their situation had improved, at 36 per cent. Central Rift followed, with 23 per cent reporting improvement.
In stark contrast, only 8 per cent of Mt Kenya residents said their economic situation had improved, highlighting the depth of frustration in the region.
The survey also examined attitudes toward the Broad-Based Government (BBG), revealing a clear link between political alignment and national outlook.
The survey also examined attitudes toward the Broad-Based Government (BBG), revealing a clear link between political alignment and national outlook.
Among respondents who support the BBG, 51 per cent still believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
This figure rises sharply to 84 per cent among those who oppose the BBG, indicating that dissatisfaction extends beyond partisan lines.
TIFA concludes that economic pressures remain the single most influential factor shaping public opinion.
TIFA concludes that economic pressures remain the single most influential factor shaping public opinion.
Rising costs of living, limited job opportunities, and strained household finances continue to erode confidence in national leadership and policy direction.
Importantly, the findings suggest that dissatisfaction is no longer confined to traditional opposition strongholds but has spread into regions that have historically been politically pivotal.
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