Kenya Ranked Sixth Most Optimistic Country Amid Rising Distrust and Activism

Kenya is ranked the sixth most optimistic country globally and the top in Africa, with only 53% believing in a better future for the next generation. Trust in government and media is declining, with many Kenyans expressing a willingness to engage in hostile activism for change. This report underscores the complex landscape of opinions on trust and activism among the Kenyan populace.

Kenya has recently been recognized as the sixth most optimistic nation globally and the foremost in Africa, according to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer report. Despite this ranking, only 53 percent of Kenyans believe the next generation will experience improved conditions compared to today, indicating a growing sense of uncertainty regarding the nation’s future.

In comparison, Saudi Arabia and China hold the top position for optimism, both at 69 percent, followed by India at 66 percent and Indonesia at 65 percent. The United Arab Emirates completes the top five with 60 percent expressing hope for a brighter future. Notably, Kenya’s optimism surpasses the global average of 36 percent, where many developed nations report less than 20 percent of their populations expecting better prospects for the future.

Despite the high optimism, other aspects of the report reveal concerning trends. A majority of Kenyans, 80 percent, express distrust toward government leaders, believing they intentionally mislead the public through misinformation. This erosion of trust has led to an increased public interest in news and a desire for accountability from leaders regarding their statements and actions.

Compounding these issues, the report also uncovers a pervasive fear among the population; 56 percent of Kenyans find it increasingly difficult to differentiate between credible news and misinformation. Many also believe that news organizations favor sensationalism over delivering vital information, with 60 percent asserting that media prioritize audience attraction over accuracy.

As trust declines, Kenyans appear to embrace more aggressive forms of activism. According to the report, half of the Kenyan population considers hostile activism a viable strategy for instigating change, particularly evident during the recent Gen Z protests against government inefficiencies. Among proponents of such actions, significant percentages support online harassment, disinformation, or even property damage to achieve their objectives.

This study was carried out by the Edelman Trust Institute between October 25 and November 16, 2024, through 30-minute online interviews involving over 33,000 participants across 28 countries. The survey investigates critical societal indicators that influence trust levels in various sectors, shaping the discourse for the upcoming year.

In summary, while Kenya boasts a high ranking in global optimism, this sentiment is overshadowed by significant distrust towards government leaders and media organizations. The propensity for hostile activism indicates a growing willingness among Kenyans to engage in more confrontational methods to promote societal change. As the Edelman Trust Barometer report highlights, the path forward may require addressing the concerns of the populace to restore trust and encourage positive engagement within the community.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke