Kenyans across the country seem to be overburdened by a litany of burdens such that they are much less optimistic about the future as they were five years ago, a report has revealed.
The study results announced by Infotrak Research and Consulting on Sunday, August 16, showed that the general optimism index dropped by as much as 10% compared to 2015.
In 2015, the figure stood at 75.5% but has since dropped 65.1%.
The study which consisted of 33 indicators and five approval rating questions showed that Uasin Gishu was the only county in Kenya that registered an increase in the optimism index.
The county, where Deputy President William Ruto hails from, saw optimism in its people increase by 6% from 64% in 2015 to 70.7% in 2020.
All other counties registered a drop according to the survey that showed Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Tharaka Nithi, West Pokot, Nyandarua, Embu, Machakos, Kericho, and Kwale as the most optimistic counties.
Kilifi, Nyamira and Migori were recorded as the least optimistic.
"According to our findings, cities are not places of hope, city dwellers are extremely discouraged by their current circumstance.
"Youth are more optimistic than older citizens," read the report.
Some of the factors that contributed to optimism included proximity to top political power, open governance, change for personal development as well as education.
Others were visibly significant changes through devolution, new inspiring county leadership and sustainable development by second-term governors.
In order to gauge the level of optimism, the research firm asked one closed-ended question "How optimistic are you that life in general will be better next year than it is?"
On August 9, an Infotrak report indicated that Kenyans living in the major cities and towns were generally the most unhappy.
None of the major cities made it to the top 20 list of the most happy counties.
Makueni County ranked first in the happiness index as it did in the Optimism index.