Kenyans have highlighted urgent issues they want to be addressed in 2024 through a survey report released by Infotrak on Friday.
The report compiled from surveys conducted on Kenyans by InfoTrak noted five priority areas considered most pressing, with many claiming they are the reason the country is headed in the wrong direction.
The five key areas are;
The cost crunch
Kenyans feel that the high cost of living is contributing to anxieties in households, as families squeeze their wallets to meet the rising prices of basic commodities.
High taxation and the cost of fuel have affected both personal commutes and business operations, weighing heavily on people, as the return on investment in essential services and infrastructure is low.
Corruption’s corrosive touch
Corruption is one of the major concerns affecting productivity and development in institutions.
The issue needs to be addressed, as it is firmly established at a deep level which is hindering national progress according to Kenyans interviewed during the survey.
Food security fear
Food insecurity affects the affordability of basic food commodities. The government needs to develop ways to improve agricultural practices and limit the effects of climate change.
Poverty’s persistent grip
Kenyans are seeking policies and initiatives that can create opportunities for people living in marginalized areas to fight the ever-growing poverty.
Statistics on working poverty from the International Labour Organization (ILO) have shown that 80 per cent of employed Kenyans are living in poverty.
Business burden
Infotrack noted that Kenyans want the government to foster an environment that fosters economic growth and job creation.
The high cost of living and increased taxes have led to a rise in the cost of doing business which weighs heavily on entrepreneurs and investors.
Apart from the basics, Kenyans have also requested improvements in disaster management, infrastructural developments, clean water and energy provision, and affordable education and healthcare.
“By addressing these priorities with transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness, the nation can move towards a future that meets the aspirations of its people,” InfoTrak advised.
