Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

good

Popular posts from this blog

Records Digitization Failures Risk Digital Kenya; Urges ICT-Records Unity.

Ms. Mary Kerema, OGW, Secretary ICT e-government and Digital Economy. Nairobi, Kenya - July 16, 2025.   Ms. Mary Kerema, OGW, delivering remarks on behalf of Eng. John Tanui, MBS, the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy , issued a blunt assessment today, government efforts to digitize critical records are failing, risking the paralysis of Kenya's broader digital transformation agenda. Speaking to ICT Directors and various stakeholders at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) at the Serena Hotel, Kerema conveyed the PS's deep concern over the " significantly low" progress made since the Ministry directed State Corporations to adopt paperless systems in March 2023. She emphasized that the core problem identified by the PS is not funding, but a critical deficit in expertise, infrastructure, and a widespread underestimation of the domain's complexity, a complexity interwoven with leg...
Post a Comment
Read more

Wisdom, Not War, WADR Chair Calls for National Shift in Conflict Resolution.

    Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (WADR Kenya), led by Chairperson Eunice Lumallas(middle). NAIROBI, Kenya  July 16, 2025.  Amidst escalating tensions across Kenya's political, social, and economic sectors, Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (WADR Kenya), led by its Chair Eunice Lumallas,  has issued a powerful call for nationwide adoption of peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. Lumallas, emphasizing Kenya stands at a "critical juncture," warned that unchecked disputes threaten to erode hard-won gains in governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the rule of law, jeopardizing national unity, business confidence, investment, and the hope of Kenyans. Representing diverse stakeholders, WADR Kenya passionately argued that choosing hostility leads to collective loss, while reasoned dialogue allows everyone to rise and gain. Chair Lumallas urged all Kenyans to prioritize empathy and actively embrace dialogue, mediation, conciliation,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kenyan Religious Leaders Issue Urgent Plea to "Stop Destroying Our Country" Amid Escalating Crisis.

    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 9, 2025.  In a powerful intervention, Kenya’s Inter-Religious Council (IRCK) has demanded an immediate end to state-sponsored violence and political exploitation tearing the nation apart. Following a three-day emergency retreat in Nairobi, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu leaders issued a stark warning that the country is in a "very sad and dangerous state," blaming dominant political elites for fueling unprecedented tensions through their fight to " acquire, protect and consolidate power."   The council condemned the government’s handling of protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, accusing the state of degenerating legitimate discontent into " murderous chaos" marked by extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, abductions, and destruction of public property. It called on President William Ruto’s administration to prosecute senior officials linked to violence and financial scandals, insisting this is essential to resto...
Post a Comment
Read more