2025 was a 'bad' year for many, survey reveals
National
By
Josphat Thiong’o
| Dec 31, 2025
Paciphica Boke a vegetable trader at Namba Market. [File, Standard]
As the curtain falls on year 2025, unemployment, high food prices and rising school fees are the major challenges burdening Kenyan households, a new poll shows.
Citizens also expressed uncertainty and guarded optimism about what 2026 may hold, citing mounting economic pressures.
The poll, released on Tuesday by Infotrak, reveals that while Kenyans have grappled with a myriad of issues throughout the year, unemployment (26 per cent) and high food prices (25 per cent) emerged as the primary pain points. Out of 1,000 respondents, 17 per cent reported school fees as a key challenge, while 14 per cent struggled with low wages.
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“Economic pressure is widespread, but specific burdens vary by demographic. For instance, unemployment is the primary concern for youth aged 18-26, while school fees has become a dominant concern for those over the age of 55,” the survey findings state.
Healthcare costs were also highlighted by eight per cent of respondents, while rent and housing (five per cent) and debt (five per cent) were additional concerns. “Half of the population (50 per cent) reports increased stress and anxiety due to economic conditions,” the report notes.
“The economic situation is a public health concern, with many respondents stating it has negatively affected their mental health, while others reported physical health issues.”
Consequently, most households have adopted coping mechanisms to manage economic stress. The most common strategy was seeking additional income (39 per cent), followed by cutting non-essential spending (26 per cent). Borrowing money from friends and family was the next major recourse, cited by 22 per cent of respondents.
Fifteen per cent reported relying on loans or credit cards, while a similar proportion depended on community resources such as foodbanks and shelters. Alarmingly, 11 per cent rely on food rations.
The survey also examined the perceived drivers of the high cost of living. Corruption was cited as the leading cause (31 per cent), followed by taxes (26 per cent) and government policies (16 per cent). Only 13 per cent of respondents attributed their economic hardship to global factors, such as rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.
The survey, conducted between December 19 and 20, indicates that 2025 was seen as a challenging year. Major events included the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, youth-led anti-government protests, and an increase in abductions and killings. A combined 41 per cent of respondents described the year as “generally bad” or “terrible,” while 19 per cent viewed it positively. Forty per cent considered 2025 “just average.”
Regional differences were also evident. Forty-nine per cent of respondents from North Eastern Kenya viewed the year positively, while 53 per cent in Nairobi were neutral. Central and Coast regions reported negative sentiment at 41 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.
Looking ahead to 2026, Kenyans expressed uncertainty. Thirty per cent were unsure about what the new year would bring, with uncertainty highest among women and residents of Western Kenya. Conversely, 29 per cent expect an improvement, citing potential economic recovery, business growth, better job opportunities, and continued peace.
“Younger people aged 18-26 are the most optimistic with 35 per cent expecting a better year,” the report noted But 16 per cent of respondents believe 2026 will be worse, anticipating economic decline, personal financial strain, job losses, or retrenchment. In North Eastern Kenya, concerns over drought are particularly pronounced.