A new survey has revealed that residents of Mt Kenya are the hardest hit by Kenya’s economic challenges since President William Ruto took office in September 2022.
According to research by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA), released on September 11, 2025, 85% of respondents in Mt Kenya said their personal and family finances have worsened over the past three years.
Regional Differences in Economic Strain
While dissatisfaction is widespread across Kenya, the survey highlights stark regional differences.
- In Nairobi, 74% of residents said their financial situation had worsened.
- In Northern Kenya, only 41% reported worsening conditions. Interestingly, 31% said their situation had improved — much higher than other regions.
- In Central Rift and Lower Eastern, only 14% reported improvements. In Mt Kenya, just 3% felt their situation had improved.
TIFA suggested that Northern Kenya’s better showing may be due to its reliance on livestock markets, which have remained relatively stable.
Rising Costs and Public Discontent
The survey comes amid growing frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, and a weakening shilling. The Ruto administration argues that fiscal reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy. However, critics say that these policies have hit households hardest, especially in Mt Kenya.
Slight National Improvement
Compared to a May 2025 survey, TIFA found a small drop in Kenyans reporting worsened conditions — from 75% to 70%. Those reporting improvements remained at just 10%. TIFA warned that these modest gains are not yet a sign of sustained economic recovery.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted between August 23 and September 3, 2025. 2,023 adults across all 47 counties were interviewed. It provides a snapshot of public opinion ahead of the 2027 general election.
The results underline the growing economic divide in Kenya and show that Mt Kenya residents are feeling the greatest financial strain under the current administration.
