Only 26pc of Kenyans believe IEBC will conduct free, fair elections in 2027: Infotrak

Only 26 per cent of Kenyans have confidence that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will conduct free and fair elections in 2027, a new survey shows.

The latest poll by Infotrak released on Monday revealed that the confidence level of Kenyans in the electoral body is disheartening, as 60 per cent believe there is no transparency in the commission.

Presenting the results of the survey conducted between November 16 and 30, Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho said Kenyans interviewed cited external interference as their major concern, at 39 per cent.

The poll also found that 38 per cent of Kenyans have a perception that the agency will not deliver due to corruption, while 38 per cent see the lack of IEBC commissioners as a major issue.

The survey supported by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute in Africa found that the apathy level which stands at 50 per cent likely to hinder democratic space and governance is not addressed.

Similarly, the poll revealed that 41 per cent of Kenyans lack identification cards, an issue that is likely to prevent them from registering as voters.

At the same time, 16 per cent of those interviewed cited a busy schedule for not participating in the last general polls.

The opinion poll also found that 75 per cent of Kenyans across all the regions have not been involved in any public participation denying them a voice to make key decisions in the country.

According to the pollster, 51 per cent of Kenyans are most concerned about the cost of living, 36 per cent about unemployment, 24 per cent about corruption levels in the country and 23 per cent about over-taxation and migration from NHIF to SHIF.

However, the poll also touched on the trust issue among key govt institutions with the Executive and National Assembly leading with 37 per cent, followed by police at 33 per cent.

Some 2,400 respondents were interviewed in the survey conducted across all 47 counties.