Poll: Economic strain pushes half of Kenyans into mental stress

Kenya’s worsening economic conditions are increasingly affecting more than household finances, with significant impacts on mental, physical, and social well-being, according to a new survey by Infotrak.

The report highlights how financial strain is translating into widespread stress, anxiety, and health challenges across the population.

It shows that economic hardship is now closely linked to public health outcomes and social stability.

“Half of the population, 50 per cent, reports increased overall stress and anxiety due to economic conditions,” the report states, underscoring the psychological toll of the current economy.

The findings reveal that the impact of economic pressure goes beyond emotional discomfort.

“The economic situation is a public health concern,” the report notes, highlighting how financial stress is affecting both mental and physical well-being.

According to the survey, 25 per cent of respondents said the situation has negatively affected their mental health, while 22 per cent reported experiencing physical health issues.

The report also warns of broader societal consequences.

Infotrak describes a process called social erosion, where constant stress over survival begins to weaken the foundations of daily life, affecting individuals, families, and communities.

In one of its strongest conclusions, the survey reframes the national discussion around economic hardship.

“The economy is no longer just a ‘wallet issue,’” the report states, emphasising that financial struggles cannot be viewed solely through the lens of income and spending.

The survey was conducted on December 19-20, 2025, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) with a sample of 1,000 adult Kenyans aged 18 and above.

The sampling frame was designed using Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) guided by the 2019 Census.

The margin of error was ±3.10 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level.

Data was weighted to correct for any over- or undersampling, ensuring that the sample was proportionately representative of the adult population.

The survey covered all 47 counties and eight regions of Kenya. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 27 statistical software.

The Infotrak findings point to a growing concern that Kenya’s economic challenges are now entwined with public health and social stability, suggesting that solutions must address more than just financial recovery.