Infotrak Voice Of The People Poll Release January 2024
Voice of the People (VOP) Poll: Economic Hardships
A nationally representative telephone survey of 1,500 Kenyan adults conducted between 18th–19th December 2023, examining the economic hardships facing households, the coping strategies they are using, and their outlook for 2024.
Methodology
Data Collection
Quantitative interviews were conducted through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) between 18th–19th December 2023.
The survey involved 1,500 people to represent the universe of adult Kenyans who were 18 years and above at the time of the survey. The sampling frame was designed using Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) guided by the 2019 Census.
The survey covered all 47 counties and 8 regions of Kenya. To ensure national representativeness, the distribution of the survey sample across the regions was proportionately allocated.
Margin of error: ±2.53% at 95% degree of confidence. Response rate: 94%.
Where the achieved interviews differed slightly from the intended sampled proportions per demographic group, the dataset was weighted to correct for over or under sampling. Data was processed and analysed using SPSS version 26 statistical software.
| Region | Adult Population (Millions) | Regional Proportion | Sample (n) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coast | 2.3 | 9% | 136 |
| North Eastern | 1.0 | 4% | 60 |
| Eastern | 3.9 | 15% | 225 |
| Central | 3.4 | 13% | 201 |
| Rift Valley | 6.6 | 26% | 383 |
| Western | 2.5 | 10% | 144 |
| Nyanza | 3.2 | 12% | 184 |
| Nairobi City | 2.9 | 11% | 167 |
| Total | 25.7 | 100% | 1500 |
Key Takeaways
1. Widespread Financial Distress
A majority of Kenyans (73%) are either in a severe financial distress or struggling to make ends meet.
18% are in severe financial distress, 55% are struggling to make ends meet, and only 5% are comfortably managing.
2. Coping Strategies
Getting a side hustle and reducing non-essential expenditure are the main coping strategies adopted by Kenyans.
45% are engaged in a side hustle to supplement their income, 41% have reduced expenditure on non-essentials, and 18% have taken out loans to fill the gaps.
3. Impacts on Wellbeing
The hard economic hardships have had various impacts on Kenyans.
48% have had increased stress and anxiety, 32% strain on personal relationships, 21% physical health issues, and 18% mental health effects.
4. Support Systems
Family & friends and Government assistance programs are the most helpful resources and support systems to deal with the economic hardships.
48% felt family and friends have been the most helpful, 24% feel government assistance programs have been the most helpful, and 19% cited support from NGOs.
5. Pessimistic Outlook for 2024
Most Kenyans are pessimistic that things will get tough in 2024.
67% think school fees will increase, 56% think unemployment will increase, 52% think the Dollar exchange rate against KES will increase, and 51% think the cost of energy will increase.
6. Government Support Needed
Kenyans would need support from the government to cope with the economic hardships.
26% recommend reduction of the cost of living, 13% suggest creation of more employment opportunities, 13% suggest reduction of fuel prices, 12% suggest reduction of the cost of education, and 12% suggest reduction of the high taxation.
Current Financial Situation
Which of the following best describes your current financial situation due to economic hardships? (n=1500)
A majority of Kenyans (73%) are either in a severe financial distress or struggling to make ends meet.
The four regions with the highest share either struggling or in severe financial distress are North Eastern (78%), Coast (76%), Central (74%), and Rift Valley (73%).
By age, both the 18–26 and 55+ brackets report the highest combined share (77% each) either struggling or in severe financial distress.
Current Financial Situation — Detailed Breakdown
| Response | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I am comfortably managing | 5% | 5% | 7% | 6% | 6% | 3% | 7% | 4% | 5% |
| I am neither struggling nor comfortable | 18% | 17% | 23% | 20% | 22% | 25% | 21% | 28% | 22% |
| I am struggling to make ends meet | 62% | 59% | 48% | 56% | 56% | 54% | 55% | 52% | 55% |
| I am in a severe financial distress | 14% | 19% | 23% | 18% | 17% | 18% | 17% | 16% | 18% |
| Response | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I am comfortably managing | 5% | 6% | 4% | 7% | 3% | 6% | 7% | 5% |
| I am neither struggling nor comfortable | 23% | 21% | 19% | 20% | 25% | 25% | 16% | 22% |
| I am struggling to make ends meet | 53% | 56% | 61% | 54% | 54% | 53% | 56% | 55% |
| I am in a severe financial distress | 19% | 17% | 16% | 19% | 17% | 16% | 21% | 18% |
Strategies Used to Cope with Economic Hardships
What strategies are you using to cope with economic hardships? (n=1500)
Coping Strategies — Detailed Breakdown
| Strategy | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeking additional employment or income sources | 41% | 41% | 48% | 39% | 49% | 40% | 42% | 49% | 45% |
| Cutting back on non-essential expenses | 45% | 61% | 41% | 34% | 38% | 38% | 47% | 42% | 41% |
| Taking out loans | 14% | 2% | 21% | 23% | 16% | 22% | 15% | 22% | 18% |
| Utilizing community resources (food banks, shelters, etc.) | 23% | 15% | 18% | 15% | 16% | 14% | 13% | 11% | 16% |
| Borrowing money from friends or family | 23% | 5% | 13% | 17% | 16% | 17% | 10% | 13% | 15% |
| Seeking financial counselling and assistance | 9% | 8% | 9% | 6% | 7% | 6% | 12% | 7% | 8% |
| Using credit cards | 3% | 3% | 2% | 4% | 3% | 8% | 3% | 3% | 4% |
| I depend on Ration | 2% | 2% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 4% | 2% | 1% | 3% |
| Reduce the number of meals per day | – | – | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Strategy | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeking additional employment or income sources | 47% | 42% | 52% | 47% | 41% | 42% | 53% | 45% |
| Cutting back on non-essential expenses | 44% | 38% | 36% | 45% | 40% | 41% | 35% | 41% |
| Taking out loans | 15% | 21% | 22% | 16% | 19% | 21% | 12% | 18% |
| Utilizing community resources (food banks, shelters, etc.) | 15% | 17% | 12% | 14% | 15% | 21% | 19% | 16% |
| Borrowing money from friends or family | 12% | 18% | 11% | 14% | 17% | 13% | 14% | 15% |
| Seeking financial counselling and assistance | 8% | 8% | 8% | 7% | 10% | 8% | 5% | 8% |
| Using credit cards | 3% | 4% | 5% | 2% | 4% | 5% | 2% | 4% |
| I depend on Ration | 2% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Reduce the number of meals per day | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
Impacts of the Hard Economic Hardships
How has the stress of economic hardships impacted your daily life and well-being? (n=1500)
Impacts — Detailed Breakdown
| Impact | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased overall stress and anxiety | 61% | 36% | 51% | 48% | 46% | 50% | 42% | 47% | 48% |
| Caused strain on personal relationships | 29% | 36% | 36% | 23% | 34% | 30% | 30% | 34% | 32% |
| Led to physical health issues | 27% | 22% | 19% | 23% | 19% | 20% | 22% | 17% | 21% |
| Negatively affected my mental health | 17% | 19% | 20% | 18% | 18% | 22% | 13% | 16% | 18% |
| Stagnation in personal development | 1% | 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Used all my savings | 1% | – | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 1% |
| No stress experienced at all | – | – | 0.4% | 1% | – | – | 1% | 1% | 0.3% |
| Inability to cater for the needs of my family e.g school fees, proper meals | – | – | 0.4% | 0.5% | – | – | 1% | – | 0.2% |
| Impact | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased overall stress and anxiety | 49% | 47% | 43% | 48% | 46% | 56% | 49% | 48% |
| Caused strain on personal relationships | 30% | 33% | 38% | 34% | 29% | 29% | 32% | 32% |
| Led to physical health issues | 18% | 23% | 25% | 18% | 22% | 19% | 26% | 21% |
| Negatively affected my mental health | 19% | 16% | 21% | 16% | 19% | 18% | 14% | 18% |
| Stagnation in personal development | 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Used all my savings | 1% | 1% | – | 2% | 0.4% | 2% | 2% | 1% |
| No stress experienced at all | 0.4% | 0.3% | – | 1% | 0.4% | – | – | 0.3% |
| Inability to cater for the needs of my family e.g school fees, proper meals | 0.4% | – | – | – | 0.4% | – | 1% | 0.2% |
Helpful Systems in Dealing with Economic Hardships
What resources or support systems do you find most helpful in dealing with economic hardships? (n=1500)
Support Systems — Detailed Breakdown
| Support System | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and friends | 46% | 46% | 52% | 38% | 49% | 59% | 47% | 47% | 48% |
| Government assistance programs | 29% | 19% | 26% | 25% | 27% | 15% | 22% | 25% | 24% |
| Non-profit organisations | 22% | 22% | 18% | 20% | 18% | 17% | 17% | 20% | 19% |
| Online financial management resources | 9% | 3% | 9% | 17% | 11% | 11% | 13% | 14% | 12% |
| Employer assistance programs | 9% | 10% | 10% | 12% | 11% | 12% | 7% | 8% | 10% |
| I have no support system | 9% | 15% | 5% | 6% | 8% | 8% | 10% | 10% | 8% |
| Selling of own properties | 1% | – | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | – | 1% |
| Support System | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and friends | 44% | 52% | 54% | 49% | 44% | 49% | 53% | 48% |
| Government assistance programs | 25% | 23% | 16% | 24% | 24% | 31% | 26% | 24% |
| Non-profit organisations | 20% | 18% | 17% | 18% | 20% | 21% | 12% | 19% |
| Online financial management resources | 12% | 11% | 11% | 13% | 13% | 9% | 7% | 12% |
| Employer assistance programs | 9% | 12% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 9% | 11% | 10% |
| I have no support system | 10% | 6% | 9% | 7% | 9% | 8% | 10% | 8% |
| Selling of own properties | 2% | – | 2% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
Outlook for 2024
Over the next year, do you think the following will increase, decrease or remain the same…? (n=1500)
| Indicator | Increase | Decrease | Remain the Same | Don't Know/Can't Tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 48% | 36% | 6% | 9% |
| School Fees | 67% | 18% | 7% | 9% |
| Cost of Energy | 51% | 34% | 7% | 9% |
| Unemployment | 56% | 27% | 9% | 8% |
| Cost of Fertilizer | 40% | 38% | 10% | 12% |
| The Dollar rates against Kenya shillings | 52% | 28% | 6% | 14% |
Outlook for 2024 — Detailed Breakdown (Increase %)
| Indicator | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Fees | 67% | 53% | 64% | 68% | 65% | 68% | 73% | 69% | 67% |
| Unemployment | 57% | 59% | 57% | 51% | 55% | 56% | 61% | 52% | 56% |
| The Dollar rates against Kenya shillings | 59% | 58% | 49% | 52% | 50% | 50% | 52% | 54% | 52% |
| Cost of Energy | 57% | 56% | 48% | 44% | 54% | 44% | 56% | 48% | 51% |
| Cost of Living | 56% | 53% | 43% | 42% | 45% | 51% | 57% | 50% | 48% |
| Cost of Fertilizer | 49% | 44% | 36% | 34% | 36% | 46% | 49% | 40% | 40% |
| Indicator | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Fees | 68% | 65% | 72% | 65% | 69% | 67% | 56% | 67% |
| Unemployment | 55% | 56% | 65% | 55% | 56% | 52% | 53% | 56% |
| The Dollar rates against Kenya shillings | 53% | 51% | 59% | 55% | 49% | 50% | 50% | 52% |
| Cost of Energy | 50% | 51% | 61% | 51% | 49% | 48% | 50% | 51% |
| Cost of Living | 50% | 47% | 59% | 46% | 49% | 50% | 44% | 48% |
| Cost of Fertilizer | 39% | 42% | 49% | 40% | 38% | 41% | 43% | 40% |
Specific Areas Where More Support Is Needed
Are there specific areas where you feel you need more support in coping with economic hardships? (n=1500)
Support Needed — Detailed Breakdown
| Area | Coast | North Eastern | Eastern | Central | Rift Valley | Western | Nyanza | Nairobi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of the high cost of living | 33% | 32% | 15% | 25% | 24% | 30% | 24% | 37% | 26% |
| Creation of employment opportunities | 11% | 12% | 17% | 18% | 13% | 12% | 11% | 10% | 13% |
| Reduction of fuel prices | 10% | 15% | 13% | 12% | 11% | 14% | 16% | 18% | 13% |
| Reduce the cost of education | 12% | 5% | 15% | 13% | 13% | 13% | 11% | 9% | 12% |
| Reduce the taxes imposed on the citizens | 15% | 19% | 10% | 9% | 12% | 13% | 12% | 13% | 12% |
| Support the agricultural sector | 2% | 2% | 7% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 6% |
| Provide loans to the citizens on low interest | 5% | – | 10% | 6% | 5% | 6% | 9% | 2% | 6% |
| Ensure there is food security countrywide | 2% | 3% | 5% | 1% | 4% | – | 5% | 2% | 3% |
| Improve in the healthcare sector | 3% | 2% | 4% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Provide enough security allover the country | 3% | 3% | 1% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 1% | 2% |
| Reduce the cost of doing business | 4% | 3% | 1% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Poverty reduction | 1% | 2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Disaster management e.g floods | – | 2% | 2% | 0.5% | 1% | – | 1% | – | 1% |
| Improve on the country's infrastructure | – | – | 0.4% | – | 1% | – | 1% | 1% | 0.5% |
| Fight corruption | – | – | – | 0.5% | 1% | – | 1% | – | 0.3% |
| Fight drug and substance abuse | – | – | – | 0.5% | – | – | – | – | 0.1% |
| Area | Male | Female | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 55+ | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of the high cost of living | 23% | 29% | 29% | 30% | 22% | 27% | 21% | 26% |
| Creation of employment opportunities | 14% | 13% | 21% | 13% | 14% | 11% | 9% | 13% |
| Reduction of fuel prices | 15% | 11% | 15% | 13% | 13% | 13% | 14% | 13% |
| Reduce the cost of education | 11% | 13% | 6% | 11% | 14% | 10% | 15% | 12% |
| Reduce the taxes imposed on the citizens | 14% | 10% | 7% | 12% | 12% | 14% | 14% | 12% |
| Support the agricultural sector | 7% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 7% | 6% | 8% | 6% |
| Provide loans to the citizens on low interest | 6% | 5% | 7% | 5% | 5% | 7% | 6% | 6% |
| Ensure there is food security countrywide | 3% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 2% | 4% | 1% | 3% |
| Improve in the healthcare sector | 2% | 3% | 4% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 2% |
| Provide enough security allover the country | 2% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 5% | 2% |
| Reduce the cost of doing business | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Poverty reduction | 1% | 1% | – | 1% | 2% | 0.4% | 2% | 1% |
| Disaster management e.g floods | 0.3% | 1% | – | 0.4% | 1% | – | – | 1% |
| Improve on the country's infrastructure | 0.4% | 1% | 1% | – | 1% | 1% | – | 0.5% |
| Fight corruption | 0.3% | 0.3% | – | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.4% | – | 0.3% |
| Fight drug and substance abuse | 0.1% | – | – | – | 0.2% | – | – | 0.1% |
Survey Demographics
Age
18–26: 8%
27–35: 33%
36–45: 36%
46–55: 15%
55+: 9%
Gender
Male: 51%
Female: 49%
Location
Rural: 60%
Urban: 40%
Religion
Christian: 92%
Muslim: 7%
Hindu: 0.1%
None: 1%
Employment
Self-employed (Informal): 33%
Unemployed: 29%
Employed: 22%
Self-employed (Formal): 14%
Retired: 2%
Refused to answer: 0.1%
Level of Education
Secondary: 49%
College: 20%
Primary: 17%
University/Post-graduate: 11%
None: 2%
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