Most Kenyans (70%) support the recent anti-government protests organised by young Kenyans (Gen Zs), this is according to a survey conducted by Research 8020.
The survey, released on Thursday, August 15, notes that this support for Gen Z anti-government protests, however, decreases with age. Older generations are generally more opposed to the protests compared to their younger counterparts.
By virtue of the recent protests agitating for good governance in the government, most Kenyans have realised the significant impact of elected officials have on their lives, with the survey showing that they are more determined to influence who assumes leadership roles.
Eighty-seven percent (87%) of the population, the survey says, plan to vote in the 2027 General Election, a significant increase from the 65% (translating to 14 million people) who voted in the 2022 General Election.
“Most Kenyans would prefer a new president who is not one of the current prominent politicians. Interestingly, Fred Matiang’i has gained significant popularity, surpassing established figures like Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka,” the survey says.
The survey, conducted between 1st August to 12th August 2024, also showed that new faces in the Cabinet have a high approval rating, compared to the re-appointed Cabinet Secretaries.
However, the four Cabinet Secretaries chosen from the opposition appear on the list of CSs with medium support (50-69%), with the survey saying that shows a lukewarm and cautious attitude from the public.
Cabinet Secretaries with the lowest approval ratings were also members of the dissolved Cabinet, suggesting that the public views them as still being part of the ongoing issues.
The survey also shows that President William Ruto’s approval rating has dwindled in the recent past. When the respondents were asked, ‘Do you support President William Ruto?’, only 31% said yes, 54% said no, while 15% remained neutral.
“Raila’s bid for the African Union Chairmanship is met with strong, cross-generational support, reflecting a patriotic approach to his bid,” the survey says, indicating that the bid enjoys an approval rating of 74%.
