Trends & Insights For Africa (Tifa) chief executive Margaret Ireri. [photo/the-star.co.ke]Most Kenyans are hopeful that this year will herald better prospects for them unlike last year, which was punctuated by skyrocketing food prices, economic slowdown and violent political campaigns. According to a New Year Survey conducted by Trends & Insights For Africa (Tifa) between December 12 and 16, 64 percent of Kenyans are optimistic that 2018 will be a better year than 2017.
The survey that polled Kenyans aged 18 and above from a sample size of 1,005 respondents living in urban and rural areas reveals that the optimism levels of Kenyans vary by geographical regions.
Residents of the Central region (81 percent) are the most optimistic followed by Eastern (73 percent) and Rift Valley regions (69 percent). The least optimistic regions include Nyanza and Western, which tie at 49 percent and North Eastern residents who took the tail end at 42 percent. Furthermore, more than 75 percent of Jubilee Party supporters feel that 2018 will be a better year than 2017.
On the contrary, not more than 50 percent of National Super Alliance (Nasa) supporters feel that 2018 will bear good news for Kenyans. In addition, Kenyans expect to see better employment prospects, better political environment, a reduction in the cost of living and better security.
This signifies that Kenyans see the link between better economic performance and improved employment prospects and reduced cost of living. “Kenyans are hopeful that the start of 2018 will be a game-changer, especially on the divisive nature of Kenyan politics and hopefully the year will signal a return to normalcy for the country,” said Tifa chief executive Margaret Ireri said.
Kenyans, she said, are also hoping that politicians will give them a break for the next five years so as to allow the country to focus on development.