Public trust in Kenya’s leading institutions appears to be under strain, according to a new national survey that paints a sobering picture of confidence in government.
The poll, conducted by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA), suggests that a significant number of Kenyans are uneasy about the presidency, the police and Parliament, bodies that sit at the heart of the country’s governance.
According to the survey, 45 per cent of respondents said they do not trust President William Ruto, while only 11 per cent expressed full confidence in him. The findings reflect a widening gap between the government and the public it serves.
The police recorded low confidence levels, with 43 per cent of respondents saying they do not trust the service, compared with just 8 per cent who said they do. Parliament fared little better, with 42 per cent expressing distrust against 7 per cent who indicated trust.
The survey, which sampled 2,013 respondents across all 47 counties, also highlights concerns about institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy.
Forty-one per cent of those interviewed said they lack faith in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), while 10 per cent said they trust it. The Judiciary, often seen as a final arbiter in disputes, drew mixed views, with 32 per cent expressing distrust and 11 per cent maintaining confidence.
Participants pointed to what they described as shortcomings in key areas of governance. These include taxation, security, healthcare, education, political stability, election preparedness and the protection of human rights.
The findings come at a time when public scrutiny of institutions has intensified, driven by economic pressures and heightened political debate. Analysts have long argued that trust in public bodies is closely tied to service delivery and accountability, areas where citizens say they expect clearer results.
Government officials have not yet publicly responded to the latest survey. In the past, however, authorities have defended ongoing reforms and pointed to efforts aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening institutions.
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