Report: Most Kenyans worried about own economic future
Business
By
Graham Kajilwa
| Dec 03, 2025
Kenyans are pessimistic about their own economic well-being, a new report shows, a situation that mirrors their views of the country’s economy.
The report by the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) and Oxfam shows on a scale of 1-10, a majority of Kenyans rate the expectation of their economic well-being at one (23 per cent).
The next score is a five (16.7 per cent), followed by two (13.0 per cent).
When it comes to the country’s economic performance, a majority also rate their expectation at one (31.0 per cent), followed by five (15.0 per cent) and two (11.5 per cent).
READ MORE
Insurers caught flat-footed ahead of IRA's 24-hour cyber breach deadline
Ruto dreams of a 'new Singapore', but not when counties hold us back
Expanding access to justice through reforms
Parliament moves to end decades-long registration nightmare
Private universities under Sh 48.8 billion pending bills
Government websites hit in major cyberattack
Somali banks on Port of Mogadishu to push 24hr-economy plan
Inside Sharjah's 'Poetry Pharmacy', where healing comes in verses, not pills
On this scale, one is the worst and 10 is the best.
The Taxpayers Perception Survey Report, published late last month, cites the country’s debt levels as one of the reasons why Kenyans view their economic situation as gloomy.
“Most respondents (75.2 per cent) attribute Kenya’s current economic challenges primarily to the government’s own actions and mismanagement rather than to foreign creditors,” the report says.
“Only 11.3 per cent blame foreign lenders, while 11.7 per cent believe both parties share responsibility.”
The report adds that this suggests that while external debt is a concern, the public largely holds the government accountable for domestic fiscal decisions and economic outcomes.
“The majority of respondents expressed pessimism about Kenya’s economic outlook, with 31.0 per cent rating it at one (worst condition) and a cumulative 62.9 per cent scoring it between one and four, indicating widespread concern about worsening economic conditions,” the report says.
This, NTA says, indicates the widespread concern about worsening economic conditions.
“Only a small proportion (8.9 per cent) were optimistic, rating the economy between eight and 10,” the report says.
While 23.8 per cent of respondents rated their economic conditions at one (worst), nearly half, 53.2 per cent, rated it between one and four, indicating financial uncertainty and hardship.
“However, a smaller yet notable share (23.6 per cent) rated their outlook between seven and 10, suggesting that some individuals remain hopeful about improving personal economic circumstances despite broader national challenges,” the report says.
To this end, a majority of Kenyans (78.8 per cent) are willing to take on more taxes if the government stops borrowing.
This is while 17.2 per cent want the government to continue borrowing as they cannot shoulder more taxes.
The report says although a minority strongly backs the idea, most citizens are hesitant or opposed to new taxes, likely due to the existing high cost of living and scepticism about government accountability in managing public funds.
Some 78.8 per cent of respondents hold the opinion that Kenya should stop borrowing from foreign creditors, even if this necessitates more taxes or reduced government spending.
“This reflects a growing public sentiment for fiscal independence and self-reliance, strongly backing own-source revenue and domestic revenue mobilisation while also demanding accountability in government spending,” the report says.