Ipsos research firm, headquartered in Paris, has fired its lead researcher in Kenya, American Tom Wolf after its bosses banned all political polls in the country.
In a statement to newsrooms on Sunday, Wolf announced that he was given a notice that took effect on March 31, which meant he was no longer associated with Ipsos.
According to the Star, Ipsos in France made a decision that Wolf's position as research analyst had become redundant and that there was no Kenyan Government interference in the decision.
Ipsos bosses further directed its Kenyan subsidiary, Ipsos-Kenya, not to include “political” survey results in its public releases “for the foreseeable future”.
Nonetheless, Wolf noted that his surveys had contributed to the expansion of the democratic space by providing citizens the opportunity to make their voices heard on a regular basis.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, given that these scientifically designed and implemented surveys have revealed the awareness, perceptions, and aspirations held by Kenyans regarding many critical issues," he stated.
Wolf, who frequently found himself on the receiving end for claims that most of his polls were biased, was quick to note that he wouldn't be leaving Kenya anytime soon.
“I have no intention of leaving Kenya, I will be exploring other opportunities here where my knowledge and skills can contribute to the country’s development,” he stated.
Ipsos came under fire in the lead up to the 2017 presidential poll with ODM leaders accusing the firm of skewing the survey in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Wolf has worked on public affairs surveys and related research since 2005 with Steadman, Synovate, and Ipsos.
