ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto after the “handshake “
By IP reporter
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)
Support for Kenya’s proposed Broad-Based Government is uneven across the country, with Northern Kenya residents showing the highest approval.
Mt. Kenya voters are the least enthusiastic, according to a new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA).
The poll released Wednesday found that 61 percent of respondents in Northern Kenya back the idea of expanding the current administration into a broader coalition. Central Rift Valley followed with 45 percent support, while Nyanza recorded 34 percent.
By contrast, Mt. Kenya and Lower Eastern posted the lowest approval levels at 11 percent and 17 percent respectively.
TIFA researcher Tom Wolf said the results highlight deep regional variations in how Kenyans perceive President William Ruto’s power-sharing overtures.
“Support is strongest in areas that have historically felt excluded from the political mainstream while skepticism is sharpest in regions that expect more direct benefits from the current administration,” Wolf said.
Residents interviewed alongside the survey echoed this divide.
In Wajir, Halima Hassan welcomed the initiative, saying, “For years, Northern Kenya has been marginalized. A broad-based government gives us a seat at the table.”
However in Nyeri, businessman Samuel Maina dismissed the plan as political window-dressing.
“We voted overwhelmingly for this government. Now instead of delivering jobs and reducing costs they want to share power again. That is betrayal,” he said.
Analysts say the low support in Mt. Kenya could complicate Ruto’s efforts to consolidate his base while the stronger endorsement in Northern Kenya reflects demands for greater inclusion.
The survey sampled 1,648 respondents across nine regions, with a reported margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
