Kenya has been identified as the sixth most optimistic nation globally and the top in Africa, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer. However, only 53 percent of Kenyans believe future generations will fare better, illustrating a rise in concerns about the future. The report reveals issues of trust in governmental and media institutions, leading many to resort to hostile activism as a means for change.
According to the recent Edelman Trust Barometer report, Kenya has been ranked as the sixth most optimistic country in the world and the highest in Africa. Despite this ranking, only 53 percent of the Kenyan population believes that future generations will have better prospects, highlighting an emerging sense of apprehension about the country’s trajectory.
Globally, Saudi Arabia and China share the top spot for optimism, with 69 percent of their populations expressing hope for a better future. They are followed by India (66 percent) and Indonesia (65 percent), while the United Arab Emirates ranks fifth with 60 percent. In contrast, only 36 percent of the global population shares this hopeful outlook, particularly in developed nations where fewer than one in five people anticipate improvement for future generations.
Despite a high optimism ranking, the report reveals troubling sentiments regarding trust in key institutions. Approximately eighty percent of Kenyans are concerned that government leaders deliberately mislead the public, either through inaccuracies or exaggeration. This concern coincides with a heightened demand for news, as citizens become more vigilant about holding leaders accountable for discrepancies in their statements.
The report further details a growing unease surrounding media credibility; 56 percent of Kenyans feel it is increasingly challenging to differentiate between credible news and misinformation. Additionally, 60 percent believe that news organizations emphasize attracting large audiences over providing essential information, while 54 percent think they prioritize promoting specific ideologies instead of adequately informing the public.
This climate of skepticism towards media and government has prompted Kenyans to seek alternative avenues for change. The report indicates that 50 percent of Kenyans view hostile activism as a legitimate means to provoke change. This trend was evidenced by the Gen Z demonstrations from June to August, where many protested against governmental inefficiencies.
Among the supporters of hostile activism, 33 percent perceive online attacks as effective, while 24 percent advocate for spreading disinformation as a method of advocacy. Furthermore, 21 percent consider threats or violence justified, and 20 percent support damaging property to have their demands addressed. Overall, 46 percent endorse hostile activism as a means to achieve change, predominantly within the 18 to 34-year age demographic.
The survey carried out by the Edelman Trust Institute included over 33,000 respondents from 28 countries and consisted of structured online interviews conducted between October 25 and November 16, 2024. The results provide critical insights into societal trust across business, media, government, and NGOs, shaping future discussions and agendas.
In summary, while Kenya maintains a high ranking in global optimism, there exists a significant dissonance highlighted by distrust in governmental leadership and media credibility. Many Kenyans exhibit a willingness to engage in hostile activism as a means of advocating for change, signaling a response to perceived failures in traditional forms of governance and communication. This complex landscape underscores the necessity for rebuilding trust in various societal institutions.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
