A new survey has revealed President William Ruto’s government’s achievements and failures in his first six months in office, according to Kenyans.The research conducted by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) research firm shows that Kenyans are most concerned about the high cost of living.Thirty-seven per cent of the respondents cited increased economic hardship as the main area President Ruto has failed so far.

Some 14 per cent of Kenyans sampled took issue with the failure to keep campaign promises, while nine per cent cited an increased corruption rate as well as the dropping of major corruption cases.“There is widespread agreement that continuing if not increasing economic hardship is at the top of most Kenyans’ minds, though it seems that much of the content of “campaign promises” that are considered yet to be fulfilled is also of an economic nature,” TIFA’s research analyst Tom Wolff said.

Asked about their opinion on the top achievements of President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, 29 per cent of the respondents said cited the launch of the Hustler Fund, while five per cent were happy about stabilizing the cost of fertilizer.Four per cent meanwhile cited enhancement of national unity and cohesion.

“Among all Kenyans, the launch of the Hustler Fund receives far more mentions 29 as an early success of the Ruto government than any other policy initiative or legislative enactment, which applies equally to Kenya Kwanza and Azimio supporters,” Wolff said. In terms of their priorities over the remainder of President Ruto’s current term, the overwhelming one among Kenyans across the political divide is for a reduction in the cost of living at 71 per cent.

Job creation (49%) and addressing issues in the educational system (22%) were the other top mentions.TIFA said it conducted the research between March 11 and 19, with just over 2,065 randomly-selected respondents.