Nairobi, Kenya: According to a recent survey, 52% of Kenyans are dissatisfied with how democracy has worked in Kenya during the previous three years. Kenyans polled cited bad governance, abductions of government critics, and a lack of respect for free expression as the primary causes for their discontent.

Speaking at the Kenya Devolution Working Group’s pre-devolution conference in Nairobi, Twaweza Kenya’s country lead, Dr. James Ciera, noted that citizens overwhelmingly concur that they should have the freedom to criticize the government, and that democracy and rights play a significant role whether or not development occurs.

According to the survey 70% of citizens strongly feel they should be allowed to criticize the government when they believe it has done something wrong to Kenyans while 71% said that democracy and rights are an important factor in whether or not development happens.

The survey further explained that dissatisfaction with how democracy is working was higher among older citizens, men, residents of Nairobi and Central region, and those with higher levels of education. 

Between March 3rd and March 30th, 2025, 3,658 respondents participated in a survey conducted by Twaweza Kenya titled “Kenyan citizen’s views and experiences on democracy and participation.” The survey examined a number of topics, including democracy, freedom of expression, public participation, and the level of trust on people and institutions among others.

Regarding public participation, the survey stated that 58% of individuals would be more likely to attend the forums if the topic was of significant interest to them, while 56% would only attend if little incentives such as lunch and transportation were provided to participants. Whatever the subject or topic, only 42% would attend the meeting.

The most often discussed issues during public participation sessions include infrastructure, roads, water, the environment, and climate. Economic issues and women’s and youth empowerment are topics that are rarely covered in public participation forums.

According to the survey, men attend and actively participate in public participation meetings more than women, and in rural areas than cities, particularly Nairobi. Attendance and participation are also higher among elderly people and those who make their living from agriculture.

The research revealed fascinating findings about levels of trust in people and institutions capable of acting in the best interests of citizens. More than any other stated group or institution, three out of ten citizens 31% believe Gen Z will work in their best interests.

In contrast, several institutions are viewed as less likely to work in the best interests of citizens, such as political parties (1%), civil society organizations (4%), county legislatures (6%), senators, the President, and the police.

Citizens trust specific groups and institutions mostly because they can be seen to actively advance citizens’ interests. Other noteworthy reasons stated for trust in particular institutions are that the media and social media inform the public of what’s happening, that Gen Z addresses issues that affect citizens everywhere, and that MCAs are close to the people.

In terms of respect for the rule of law, notably the Constitution, citizens feel the country is not performing well but is getting better with devolution. 56% are dissatisfied with the country’s course on the constitution and the rule of law, while 32% are satisfied. On the other hand, 48% are content with the country’s path on devolution, while 38% are discontented.

In conclusion, there are many people who are skeptical of the way things are going, but there are also some reasons to be happy. Public distrust is primarily attributed to a lack of respect for freedom of expression and the kidnapping of government dissidents.

The fact that most people agree that we are not doing a good job of upholding the constitution and the rule of law lends even more credence to this.

On a positive note, there is considerable support for Kenya’s devolution efforts, with the majority of citizens admitting that devolution has improved services and made it easier for citizens to participate in matters of governance.

Second, the majority of Kenyans still believe in the rule of law, freedom of expression, and respect for citizens’ rights, despite their dissatisfaction with the country’s current democratic situation.