By peter orengo

A large number of Kenyans feel their lives have changed for the better after promulgation of the new Constitution.

According to a study conducted by the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS), more Kenyans are interested in implementation of the Constitution than the next General Election.

The key highlights of the Afro-Barometer Survey touched on constitutional implementation, status of the economy, the East African Community, and how media affect society.

When asked about the effect of the Constitution on the appointment of individuals to public office, 61 per cent of respondents said it was better than the old laws because it introduced mandatory vetting.

Only nine per cent thought matters had gotten worse, with 17 per cent saying affairs had remained the same. A large number of Kenyans also said respect for human rights had improved due to reforms in the Judiciary, with 56 per cent saying they trusted the institution.

Fight corruption

However, slightly less than half of those interviewed still felt the fight against corruption and discipline in political parties need to be worked on by the Government.

“Although many Kenyans are aware of the positive effects of the new Constitution in their lives, a large number feel the Government needs to do a lot on the fight on corruption and discipline within political parties,” said Adams Oloo, one of the survey’s lead researchers.

He added: “Perhaps that is the main reason we see many Kenyans going to courts to challenge the Government  when it goes against the Constitution.”

On the economy, an overwhelming 84 per cent of respondents said conditions were getting worse. They also felt that matters were not improving despite being taxed heavily.

“The survey showed that Kenyans were unhappy with their living condition and there was a feeling of inequality when they compared their lives with their neighbours,” said Carolyn Logan, a partner in the survey from the US.

Some of the problems the public wanted tackled include management of the economy, unemployment, food shortage, poverty and corruption.

More than 2,400 respondents were interviewed in the survey that covered all counties except Mandera, Samburu and Lamu due to insecurity concerns.

The Afrobarometer is an independent, non-partisan research project that measures the social, political, and economic atmosphere in Africa.Surveys are conducted in more that a dozen African countries and are repeated on a regular cycle.