A recent survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA), released on May 28, 2025, paints a mixed picture of how Kenyans view the achievements of President William Ruto’s administration. With nearly two years in office, infrastructure development emerged as the most cited government achievement albeit by only 14 per cent of respondents sharing the top spot with “not sure,” which also garnered 14 per cent.
The TIFA poll reflects a landscape of cautious approval and widespread uncertainty. The prominence of infrastructure projects, such as ongoing road constructions, affordable housing initiatives, and digital highway investments, signals some public recognition of tangible progress. However, the equally high percentage of those unsure about any notable accomplishments underscores a potential communication gap or disconnection between government initiatives and public perception.
Following infrastructure, the reduction or stabilisation of the cost of living ranked at 5 per cent. This figure is relatively low, reflecting the persistent economic struggles many Kenyans face amid inflationary pressures and global economic instability. Agriculture an area President Ruto has prioritized under his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda was acknowledged by only 4 per cent of respondents.
Health services and job creation both recorded 3 per cent, while the education system received a modest 2 per cent acknowledgment. These numbers suggest that, despite ongoing reforms and investment, the impact in these critical sectors may not yet be felt widely or strongly by the public.
Interestingly, 10 per cent of respondents pointed to “other” achievements, a category likely covering a range of less publicized or localized successes.
The data presents a dual narrative: while infrastructure development provides a visible benchmark for the government’s performance, a significant share of Kenyans remains unconvinced or uninformed about broader progress. It also indicates a need for the administration to enhance public engagement and transparency, especially in communicating outcomes in sectors like health, agriculture, education, and employment.
As the Ruto administration continues into its third year, aligning policy outcomes with citizen expectations and clearly articulating them may prove crucial in shifting public opinion.
