Why These Kenyans Believe Trump's Second Presidency Is Toxic: Poll
The report released on Wednesday, May 28, highlighted Kenyans' perceptions of the Trump regime since being elected in early November 2024
Marvin Chege 
Half of Kenya (50 per cent) believe that Donald Trump's second reign as United States (US) President will negatively affect the country, a new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has revealed.
The report released on Wednesday, May 28, highlighted Kenyans' perceptions of the Trump regime since being elected in early November 2024, with the split showing concerns regarding the global effects of his regime's policies.
The poll adds that just 24 per cent of Kenyans see the Trump comeback as good for the country. Meanwhile, 18 per cent think it wouldn’t change anything, and 8 per cent are either unsure or choose not to weigh in.
Kenyans walking on a street in Nairobi. /FILE
"The perceived or expected impact of the Trump presidency on Kenya is one issue about which there is almost no contrast in the proportions of those who do/do not support the Broad Based Government, with this agreed view being overwhelmingly negative; even nearly one-fifth of each group do not expect this new American reality to affect Kenya one way or the other," TIFA said.
TIFA, however, noted that "Still, the US’s similar top position in the ‘negative’ list (countries considered ‘the biggest threat to Kenya’s economic and political development’, with China in second place in both lists) rather dilutes whatever satisfaction US officials might take from the former result."
Since being sworn into office in January 2025, President Trump has made unpopular calls, introducing actions like slapping tariffs and slashing key funding that put Kenya—and crucial industries across Africa, like healthcare and exports—at serious risk, with no indication that this approach will slow down anytime soon.
As recently as last week, the U.S. even warned it might strip Kenya of its major non-NATO ally status, a designation originally granted by former President Joe Biden just last year.
The move, suggested by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, stems from Kenya’s growing ties with China, a major rival to the United States.
If the U.S. follows through, Kenya risks losing the enhanced military support it currently receives from Washington.
Just hours ago, on Tuesday, May 27, Trump told embassies and consulates worldwide to halt new student visa appointments as his administration seeks to ramp up social media checks and background vetting for all student visa applicants, according to a diplomatic cable.
This latest step by the Trump administration now risks discouraging international students from attending U.S. universities, including Kenyan students.
