Most pressing problems that faced Kenyans in 2019

In 2019, the high cost of living and unemployment were the challenges faced by most Kenyans.

When pressed further, Kenyans identified corruption as the single most pressing problem in 2019.

This is according to a poll conducted by TIFA in December 2019.

There were also mentions of doctors/nurses' strike as a critical challenge faced.

This could be attributed to the fact that in at least 17 counties, nurses went on strike while doctors went on strike in at least 2 counties in 2019.

Kenyans also indicated that they lacked access to credit, and this could be, to some extent, be attributed to their poor credit ratings.

“The high cost of living is ranked as the No. 1 problem facing Kenyans in all national surveys by TIFA.

“These sentiments are supported by macro-economic indicators – for instance, the annual inflation rate rose from 3.38% in September 2019 to 5.56% in November 2019.

“As a result, Kenyans are feeling the pinch as they spend more to buy Unga,” says Maggie Ireri, a research expert.

In the Year-End Poll, Kenyans shared their sentiments on eight key indicators – the economy, employment, politics, cost of living, primary and secondary education, security and public health.

The cost of living, economic conditions and employment prospects are considered to have worsened in 2019.