
ELGIA and Infotrak Unveil Public Trust Survey in Uasin Gishu County
The Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), in partnership with Infotrak Research, conducted comprehensive Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on November 21st, 2024 in Eldoret. The discussions, part of a nationwide survey initiative, revealed deep-seated concerns about public institutions and democratic processes in Kenya.
The carefully structured discussions, which brought together diverse demographics from Uasin Gishu County, uncovered significant challenges facing residents. Corruption emerged as a dominant concern, with participants highlighting its pervasive nature across public institutions. The discussions also revealed growing disillusionment with the electoral process, with many participants expressing reluctance to participate in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Economic challenges featured prominently in the discussions, with participants highlighting the burden of high taxation without corresponding public benefits. The “use money to get money” cycle was identified as a particular strain on citizens’ financial well-being. Additionally, concerns about food security, unemployment, and access to quality education were raised as pressing issues affecting the community.
The study exposed critical gaps in public service delivery, with participants expressing particular concern about the police service and public service commission. Many described encounters with corruption and nepotism in these institutions, noting that employment opportunities often depend more on personal connections than merit.
Media integrity also came under scrutiny, with participants raising concerns about corruption within vernacular stations and their perceived lack of objectivity in reporting. This highlighted broader issues about information access and transparency in public communication.
The findings led to several key recommendations, including:
- Strengthening accountability measures in government operations
- Implementing stricter anti-corruption mechanisms
- Improving essential service delivery
- Enhancing transparency in tax revenue utilization
- Reforming public service employment practices
This comprehensive survey marks an important step in understanding public perception of governance and democratic institutions in Kenya, providing valuable insights for policy makers and stakeholders working to strengthen democratic processes and public trust.