A new survey reveals that only 26% of Kenyans are confident the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will conduct free and fair elections in 2027.
The latest Infotrak poll, released on Monday, highlights a worrying lack of trust in the electoral body, with 60% of respondents believing there is a lack of transparency within the commission.
Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho shared the survey results, which were gathered between November 16 and 30. According to the findings, 39% of those surveyed cited external interference as their primary concern.
The poll also revealed that 38% of Kenyans believe the IEBC will fail to deliver due to corruption, while another 38% view the shortage of commissioners as a significant concern.
The survey, supported by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute in Africa, found that 50% of Kenyans are apathetic, a level of disengagement that could hinder democratic participation and governance if left unaddressed.
Additionally, the poll revealed that 41% of Kenyans do not possess identification cards, a barrier that could prevent them from registering to vote.
The survey also found that 16% of respondents cited a busy schedule as the reason for not participating in the last general elections. Additionally, 75% of Kenyans across all regions have not been involved in any public participation, limiting their ability to influence key decisions.
The poll revealed that 51% of Kenyans are most concerned about the cost of living, 36% about unemployment, 24% about corruption, and 23% about over-taxation and the migration from NHIF to SHIF.
Regarding trust in government institutions, the Executive and National Assembly lead with 37%, followed by the police at 33%
The survey interviewed 2,400 people from 47 counties.
