TIFA, an African-based full market research company, on Friday, December 29 released the results of a comprehensive assessment to gauge the general perception of Kenyans towards 2023.
The assessment results revealed that 60 per cent of Kenyans in the Rift Valley region perceived 2023 as worse compared to 2022.
With particular attention given to those who perceived the year as worsening, the report ranked Nyanza and Nairobi regions as the most discontent.
Nyanza region was leading with 76 per cent, followed closely by Nairobi with 74 per cent.
On average, 67 per cent of Kenyans have shown dissatisfaction with the year 2023, compared to how 2022 panned out.
According to the report, widespread discontent was also noted in the Eastern region with 69 per cent.
The Western and Coastal regions followed with 67 per cent, as Central came in sixth with 63 per cent.
60 per cent of Kenyans in the Rift Valley region, regarded as President William Ruto's stronghold, perceived 2023 harder than 2022.
Ranking last, but with a high percentage is the North Eastern, where 60 per cent of the region's occupants were discontent with 2023.
The report further indicates that 87 per cent of Kenyans have complained of an escalation in the cost of living in 2023, as the price of essential commodities such as fuel and household commodities rose.
The perception of the rising cost of living is more prevalent in the urban areas which registered 90 per cent, compared to 86 per cent in rural areas.
People living in Nairobi particularly complained of the hardships experienced in 2023, highlighting the need for policymakers and relevant stakeholders to address the matter.
TIFA has called upon economists and the government to come up with and implement measures that can alleviate the financial burden on the citizens.
