Nairobi Residents Don't Expect 2024 To Be Better Than 2023- TIFA Report

53 per cent of residents of Western Kenya and 54 per cent of Nairobi residents have expressed optimism regarding the year 2024 being better than the year 2023, according to a report released by Nairobi-based research firm Trends and Insights For Africa, also known as TIFA Research.

The report on Friday, December 29 predicted that residents of the two regions have expressed the least optimism out of the eight regions whereas North Eastern recorded the highest optimism at 72 per cent.

Residents of Rift Valley, perceived as a political bastion for President William Ruto, followed second at 68 per cent in optimism that 2024 will be better than the current year.

From the least optimism, 28 per cent of Nairobi residents have expressed that 2024 will be worse than 2023, more than their counterparts at Western following closely behind at 27 per cent. Nyanza came in third at 26 per cent.

Overall, 61 per cent of Kenyans have expressed optimism on 2024 being better than 2023 with 21 per cent thinking otherwise.

"In a promising trend, 61% of Kenyans express optimism, anticipating that 2024 will be an improvement compared to 2022.

"This positive outlook among most Kenyan citizens signifies a hopeful perspective on the future. It reflects a collective belief in positive changes or advancements anticipated to unfold in the coming years," the report read in part.

The assessment results further revealed that 2023 was a bad year for Kenyans, with 87 per cent pinning blame on the worsening cost of living, 81 per cent on the economy, 65 per cent on employment prospects, 53 per cent on prospects of obtaining a loan and 47 per cent on political climate.

"A comprehensive assessment has been conducted to gauge the general perception of Kenyans toward 2023, with particular attention given to those who perceived the year as worsening. Widespread Discontent in Nyanza and Nairobi Regarding 2023," added the report.

76 per cent of Nyanza residents classified 2023 as being worse than 2022, followed by 74 per cent comprising those in Nairobi.

According to the Year-End Poll, nearly 67 per cent of Kenyans believe 2023 was more challenging than 2022.

"Additionally, respondents expressed that the cost of living, economic conditions, employment prospects and access to loans were worse than the previous year," added the report.