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Angela Ambitho Unveils Landmark Survey on Public Trust in Kenya’s Institutions and Democratic Processes

   
     In an era marked by growing skepticism toward governance and democratic institutions in Kenya, Angela Ambitho, the Founder and Group CEO of InfoTrak Research & Consulting Ltd, presented the findings of a groundbreaking nationwide survey. Commissioned by the Electoral Law and Governance Innovation for Africa (ELGIA) under the Kenya Electoral Support Program (KESP), the survey sheds light on the factors driving public trust—or lack thereof—in key institutions, particularly those shaping the nation’s democratic processes.
    Speaking during the launch, Ambitho emphasized the pressing need to address the erosion of trust in public institutions. “Public trust is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. Without it, the legitimacy of governance and electoral processes is at risk. These findings not only highlight the challenges we face but also provide a roadmap for meaningful reforms,” she stated. The survey aims to offer actionable insights to restore public confidence and guide Kenya toward a more inclusive and transparent governance model.

   Conducted between November 16 and 30, 2024, the survey adopted a rigorous methodology, combining desk research, quantitative interviews with 2,400 respondents, and qualitative insights from key informants and focus group discussions. The survey covered all 47 counties, achieving a 97% response rate and maintaining a ±2% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. The data analysis, conducted using SPSS 26 software, ensured the accuracy and reliability of the findings.
   The results painted a stark picture of the challenges Kenyans face in engaging with democratic processes. Among the key barriers to voter registration, 41% of respondents cited the lack of national identity documents as a major impediment, while 16% highlighted the difficulty of balancing busy schedules with civic responsibilities. Another 15% pointed to a pervasive lack of trust in the electoral process, while others mentioned the distance to registration centers (16%), insufficient information (10%), and outright disinterest in elections (10%).

Despite these challenges, the survey offered a glimmer of hope by identifying interventions that could rebuild trust in electoral processes. Ensuring the independence and impartiality of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) emerged as the top priority for 40% of respondents. An additional 39% emphasized the importance of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, while 29% called for civic education and the prevention of vote rigging. Enhanced security during elections (24%) and improved mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes (15%) were also cited as critical measures.

Beyond voter registration and elections, the survey delved into the broader dynamics of trust in public institutions, with a focus on recent political protests and the frustrations driving them—particularly among Kenya’s youth. The findings underscored the urgent need for reforms that address systemic issues of discontent and disengagement. Ambitho noted, “The youth are the backbone of our nation’s future, yet their voices often go unheard. This survey highlights their frustrations and provides a path toward restoring their faith in our institutions.”
     The recommendations from this survey are expected to inform KESP’s ongoing efforts and guide policymakers, civil society organizations, and electoral bodies in designing interventions that are responsive to public concerns. They also offer a valuable lens through which to assess the risks and opportunities associated with Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

    Angela Ambitho closed her presentation with a powerful call to action: “Restoring trust in our institutions is not a task for any single entity; it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. By committing to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, we can rebuild confidence and lay the foundation for a stronger democracy.”
     As Kenya grapples with these challenges, this survey serves as a critical step in bridging the gap between public expectations and institutional performance, offering hope for a brighter, more unified future.

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