Research 8020 Poll: Cost of Living, Unemployment Top Kenyans’ Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
The cost of living and unemployment remain the leading concerns among Kenyans as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
The nationwide survey,which we conducted in September 2026, interviewed 3,760 Kenyans aged 18 and above across all 47 counties. Using Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviews (CATI), the study examined public sentiment on the country’s direction, pressing national challenges, voting intentions, presidential preferences and political party affiliation.
The findings point to a public concerned about economic pressures and governance, alongside a competitive political landscape in which no single opposition presidential candidate has consolidated the vote.
Cost of Living and Unemployment Lead National Concerns
The survey identifies the cost of living as the most pressing challenge facing Kenyans, cited by 65% of respondents. Unemployment follows at 58%, highlighting the importance of household affordability and job creation in the national conversation.
Corruption was identified by 43% of respondents, while high taxation and insecurity or crime were each cited by 31%. Bad leadership was mentioned by 28%, while poor healthcare ranked at 25%.
Other concerns included fuel prices (23%), poor roads (20%), food security and lack of food (19%), and the poor education system (16%).
These findings highlight five broad areas of concern: the economy and household welfare, governance and leadership, essential public services, security, and infrastructure.
As political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 elections, the results provide insight into the issues that voters say affect their daily lives.
Majority Say Kenya Is Heading in the Wrong Direction
Public sentiment about the country’s direction is predominantly negative. According to the poll, 57% of respondents believe Kenya is heading in the wrong direction, compared with 23% who say the country is moving in the right direction. Another 20% say it is heading in neither direction.
The report records a net direction score of -31 percentage points, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s current trajectory.
The findings also reveal differences across generations. Among Gen Z respondents, 54% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, compared with 63% of millennials and 54% of Gen X and baby boomers.
The results suggest that economic and governance concerns cut across age groups, with millennials expressing the highest level of dissatisfaction among the three groups presented in the report.
High Voting Intentions Ahead of the 2027 General Election
Despite dissatisfaction with the country’s direction, interest in participating in the next General Election remains high.
The survey found that 93% of respondents intend to vote in the 2027 elections, while 7% said they do not intend to participate.
Voting intentions remain consistently high across age groups. The poll recorded an intention to vote of 93% among Gen Z, 94% among millennials, and 92% among Gen X and baby boomers.
The report suggests that dissatisfied voters may still view elections as an important way to influence the country’s future. This places a premium on campaign messages that address public concerns and present credible policy proposals.
Ruto Leads Presidential Preference Poll as Opposition Vote Remains Divided
President William Ruto leads the presidential preference poll with 26% of respondents saying they would vote for him if elections were held at the time of the survey.
Edwin Sifuna follows at 25%, placing him one percentage point behind the President. Kalonzo Musyoka records 11%, Fred Matiang’i 9%, and Rigathi Gachagua 7%. Five per cent of respondents are undecided, while the remaining 17% are distributed among other candidates.
The findings indicate a competitive race, with the leading candidates separated by a narrow margin. While Ruto holds the highest individual share, the report notes that opposition support remains spread across several political figures rather than consolidated behind one candidate.
The results represent voter preferences at the time of data collection in September 2026 and should not be interpreted as a prediction of the final election outcome.
Presidential Support Varies Across Counties
The poll also identifies geographical variations in candidate support.
President William Ruto records his strongest reported support in Bomet at 68.3%, followed by Mandera at 64.1%, Elgeyo-Marakwet at 61.9%, Nandi at 60.8%, and Uasin Gishu at 56.3%.
Edwin Sifuna’s strongest reported county results include Vihiga at 60.7%, Bungoma at 53.8%, Trans-Nzoia at 42.7%, and Kakamega at 42.2%. His support also reaches 33.3% in Nairobi.
Kalonzo Musyoka records his strongest results in Machakos at 39.5%, Kitui at 33.7%, and Makueni at 25.8%. Fred Matiang’i’s strongest reported support is in Kisii at 28.6% and Nyamira at 23.3%.
Rigathi Gachagua records his strongest results in Kirinyaga at 32.3%, Murang’a at 28.6%, Nyeri at 24.2%, and Nyandarua at 23.8%.
These county-level findings illustrate the geographical differences in candidate support across the country.
Political Party Affiliation Remains Competitive
The survey also points to a closely contested party landscape.
Linda Mwananchi records 25% affiliation, followed by UDA at 23%. Sixteen per cent of respondents say they are still waiting to decide, while DCP records 9%. Wiper and ODM each register 8%, while Jubilee records 7%.
Other parties listed in the report include PLP/NARC-K at 2%, and DAP-K and PPK at 1% each.
The sizeable undecided group suggests that party preferences remain fluid. The findings indicate that no single party has established a commanding lead in the reported affiliation figures.
What the Findings Mean Ahead of 2027
The Kenya Public Opinion Poll 2026 highlights three important themes in the country’s political and public environment.
First, economic concerns dominate public priorities, with the cost of living and unemployment ranking above other challenges. Second, the majority perception that Kenya is heading in the wrong direction points to widespread dissatisfaction. Third, the presidential preference figures show a competitive race in which the leading candidates remain closely positioned.
For political parties, policymakers and other stakeholders, the findings offer insight into the concerns that may shape public debate as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
The poll also reinforces the value of public opinion research in understanding citizens’ priorities and tracking changes in political preferences over time.