The Edelman Trust Barometer report identifies Kenya as the sixth most optimistic country globally, despite only 53% believing in a better future for the next generation. Trust in government is low, with 80% of citizens skeptical of leaders’ honesty. Additionally, 56% express difficulty distinguishing credible news, leading to rising support for aggressive activism among the youth.
According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer report, Kenya has been recognized as the sixth most optimistic nation globally and the leading country in Africa. Nevertheless, only 53% of Kenyans believe that the next generation will fare better than the current one, indicating a rising uncertainty regarding the nation’s future.
In the ranking, Saudi Arabia and China shared the top position with 69% optimism, followed by India at 66%, Indonesia at 65%, and the United Arab Emirates at 60%. In contrast, Kenya’s optimism surpasses the global average, which stands at merely 36%. The report highlights that in several developed nations, fewer than 20% of residents express hope for future generations.
Despite the high ranking in optimism, the report reveals a concerning decline in trust in essential institutions. Approximately 80% of Kenyans express concern that government leaders may mislead the public through falsehoods or exaggerated claims. This dissatisfaction is accompanied by a heightened demand for accurate news and political accountability.
The report also notes a growing apprehension regarding journalistic integrity; 56% of Kenyans find it increasingly challenging to differentiate credible information from misinformation. Additionally, 60% of respondents feel that media outlets typically prioritize audience engagement over the dissemination of crucial information.
Due to decreasing trust in government and media, many Kenyans are resorting to aggressive activism as a means of enacting change. The report indicates that half of the surveyed population believes that hostile activism is a legitimate approach to achieving societal progress, particularly evident in the recent protests.
Among those supporting aggressive activism, 33% consider online harassment of individuals an effective strategy, while 24% support the dissemination of false information to advocate for their causes. Furthermore, 21% believe that resorting to violence can be justified, as well as 20% who approve of damaging property to reinforce their demands.
The research, carried out by the Edelman Trust Institute, involved 30-minute online interviews conducted between October 25 and November 16, 2024, with over 33,000 participants from 28 different countries. It investigates critical societal trust indicators, shaping dialogues and establishing agendas for the ensuing year.
To conclude, the Edelman Trust Barometer report highlights Kenya’s distinct position as a leading optimistic nation, yet concurrently reveals a troubling trend of declining trust in institutions. As the populace grapples with these mixed sentiments, many are turning to aggressive forms of activism to express their frustration and push for change. This dual dynamic underscores the complexities of public sentiment in the contemporary Kenyan landscape.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
