Why Most Kenyans Are Not Supporting Any Political Party
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A new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has identified the main reasons many Kenyans remain unaffiliated with any political party as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The findings are based on responses from 571 respondents who said they do not currently support any political party.
According to the survey, 29% of respondents who said they do not support any political party cited lack of interest in politics and electoral processes as the main reason for remaining unaffiliated.
“There are various reasons why those who express support for no political party take such a position. The most frequently given (29%) is a lack of interest in politics in general and elections in particular,” read part of the survey.
TIFA Poll Reveals Why Kenyans Reject Political Parties
TIFA also found that 22% of respondents have yet to support any political party because they are waiting to know who the parties will nominate as their presidential and other candidates for the 2027 General Election.
TIFA said the findings suggest that a significant number of Kenyans are taking a wait-and-see approach, choosing to evaluate the candidates before deciding which political party to support.
Additionally, 19% of respondents said they do not support any political party because they believe all parties are corrupt, ineffective, or fail to represent the interests of ordinary citizens.
“Such an attitude is somewhat similar to the third most frequent response: a belief that “all parties are corrupt/useless”, and thus “don’t care about people like me” (19%). Rather more engaged are those with the second most frequent response (22%): the need to know who the parties’ candidates in next year’s election will be, starting with those for president,” read part of the survey.
According to the survey, these respondents believe political parties “don’t care about people like me,” reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the country’s political landscape.
Also Read: Why Many Kenyans Are Not Registering as Voters Ahead of 2027 Elections
Leadership Changes Affect Voter Preferences
The survey further showed that 5% of respondents abandoned political parties they had previously supported after those parties changed their policies or leadership.
“ Also more engaged are those who say that the party they previously supported “changed its policies/leaders”, evidently in a way disappointing to these previous supporters,” read part of the survey.
Also Read: Most ODM Supporters Back Sifuna as Ruto Remains Most Popular Presidential Candidate
Meanwhile, 1% said they are waiting for political parties to release their manifestos or policy agendas before choosing which party to support, while another 1% indicated they are either too old or simply have no interest in joining a political party.
TIFA further noted that 20 % of respondents did not provide a clear reason for not supporting any political party, while two per cent declined to answer the question.
| Main Reason for Not Supporting Any Political Party Percentage | e (%) |
|---|---|
| Lack of interest in politics and elections | 29% |
| Waiting to know parties’ presidential and other candidates for the 2027 election | 22% |
| Believe all political parties are corrupt, useless, or do not care about ordinary citizens | 19% |
| No clear reason given | 20% |
| Previously supported party changed its policies or leadership | 5% |
| Waiting for party manifestos or policies | 1% |
| Too old or has no interest in joining a political party | 1% |
| No response (NR) | 2% |
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A photo of the survey showing reasons as to why Kenyans are not supporting political parties. Photo/ TIFA