TIFA Survey: Cost Of Living Tops List Of 5 Biggest Challenges Facing William Ruto's Government

• The survey by TIFA indicated that 84% of respondents felt the country was worse economically compared to a similar period in 2022
• Besides the high cost of living, corruption was ranked as the second biggest challenge at 15%, followed by debt repayment (8%) and opposition pressure (4%)
• President William Ruto insisted Kenya's economy was stable and on an upward trajectory despite the grim picture

A survey by research firm TIFA has revealed the biggest challenges facing President William Ruto one year after he took over power from Uhuru Kenyatta.

The report indicated 84% of respondents felt the country was worse economically compared to a similar period in 2022.

The cost of living was cited as the biggest challenge, with 39% of Kenyans listing it as the main issue of concern that the government should address.

Corruption was ranked second at 15%, followed by debt repayment (8%), opposition pressure (4%), declining value of the Kenyan shilling (3%) and unemployment (2%).

"Given the fact that reducing the cost of living was such a major part of Kenya Kwanza’s successful 2022 election campaign, its continued rise helps to explain why more Kenyans cited it as the main challenge the government currently faces," TIFA's senior researcher Tom Wolf explained.

What's the impact of the high cost of living?

A majority, 87%, Kenyans interviewed by TIFA, reported reducing their personal expenses to cope with the cost of living in the areas of transportation (15%), clothing (9%), and entertainment (8%).

However, President William Ruto received favourable ratings from Kenyans for his efforts in safeguarding forests, promoting agriculture, addressing pollution and contamination, and fostering both tourism and investment in the tourism sector.

Kenya's inflation reported a slight drop to 6.8% in November 2023, down from 6.9% recorded in October 2023.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that the rate was driven by the rising cost of fuel and other items.

What did William Ruto say about the economy?

Despite the grim picture, Ruto insisted Kenya's economy was stable and on an upward trajectory.

He defended the raft of taxes introduced under the Finance Act 2023, noting that they helped Kenya get out of a huge debt hole.

"I can now confirm that Kenya is safely out of the danger of debt distress and that our economy is on a stable footing. Inflation is at 6.8%, down from 9.2% last year," Ruto said during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.