Poll: Kenyans worse off under Uhuru regime

Ipsos Synovate lead researcher Tom Wolf during a news conference to release results of a referendum survey on the proposed constitution July 23, 2010. Nearly half of Kenyans say their lot has worsened since the government of Uhuru Kenyatta took power in April, a new survey by the pollster showed July 10, 2013. FILE 

By LUCAS BARASA
Posted  Wednesday, July 10  2013 at  12:32

 

Nearly half of Kenyans say their lot has worsened since the government of Uhuru Kenyatta took power in April.

Some 49 per cent said they have less money in their pockets with only 16pc reporting an upturn in their fortunes.

According to an Ipsos Synovate opinion poll released Wednesday, Kenyans are grappling with high cost of living and insecurity with 54pc and 21pc respectively saying the two issues are of great concern.

Some 10pc of Kenyans reported being victims of crime in the last three months alone with Nairobi recording the highest incidence of the vice. 58pc of those who reported to police were unhappy with the response while an equal number did not go to the authorities.

On security, 25pc said they feel less secure since the March 4 General Election, 41pc feel secure while for 32pc, the situation is the same as before the polls.

Of those polled, 58pc said they unhappy with the proposed VAT Bill that seeks to tax essential goods including bread, milk and maize flour.

President Kenyatta has secured the support of Jubilee MPs to support amendments to the Bill with a view of exempting maize flour and bread from taxation.

Hague process

On confidence in public institutions, 51pc of those polled said they have confidence in President Kenyatta's leadership, Supreme Court (34pc) and Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (32pc).

A total of 39pc want the cases facing President Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and former radio presenter Joshua arap Sang at the International Criminal Court to proceed, 32pc want the trial brought closer home while 29pc want the Hague process stopped.

Of those polled, 36pc want former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to retire from politics as opposed to 32pc who want Mr Odinga to remain active and vie for the presidency in 2017. Some 28pc are of the opinion that the former MP should engage in politics but not seek elective office in the next polls.

A total of 2,000 respondents participated in the survey conducted between June 23-30.