The majority of Kenyans have said that the cost of living deteriorated in 2023 as compared to 2022, a poll by research firm TIFA has shown.

TIFA on Friday, December 29, 2023, released the report of the survey that was conducted between November 25 and December 9, 2023, by telephonic interviews with 1,587 respondents from Central Rift, Coast, Lower Eastern, Mt Kenya, Nairobi, Northern Nyanza, and South Rift.

87% of the citizens interviewed said there has been massive economic deterioration in the country under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"A comprehensive assessment has been conducted to gauge the general perception of Kenyans toward 2023, with particular attention given to those who perceived the year as worsening. Widespread Discontent in Nyanza and Nairobi Regarding 2023.

"The survey results underscore a widespread perception among Kenyans, with a substantial majority of 87% indicating that the cost of living escalated in 2023. This perception aligns with reality, evident in the noticeable price rise for essential household items, electricity, fuel, and more," TIFA said.

All regions, including William Ruto's backyard in the Rift Valley, recorded a discontent percentage that was above 50%.

Nyanza and Nairobi lead with the discontentment levels, with the former registering 76% as compared with the latter's 74% discontentment levels.

In the Central region, which overwhelmingly supported the current regime, 63% said that this year was worse compared to 2022. 60% of Rift Valley and North Eastern residents, 67% in Western, as well as the Coast region, said this year was worse.

69% of Kenyans residing in the Eastern region said this year was worse.

"According to the year-end poll, nearly 67% of Kenyans believe 2023 was more challenging than 2022.

"This sentiment suggests the need for focused attention from policymakers, economists, and relevant stakeholders to address the factors

contributing to the rising cost of living and implement measures that can alleviate the financial burden on the citizens," the research showed.

Comparing sentiments from urban and rural residents, the majority of the former said the cost of living was worse this year.

"This perception is more prevalent among urban residents, with 90% expressing it compared to 86% in rural areas.

"Specifically, Nyanza and Nairobi regions have over 90% of respondents stating that the cost of living deteriorated in 2023," the research showed.