Kenya Ranked Sixth Most Optimistic Country Amidst Growing Distrust

Kenya ranks as the sixth most optimistic country in the world and first in Africa according to the Edelman Trust Barometer. However, only 53 percent of Kenyans believe the next generation will fare better than current conditions. The report highlights widespread distrust in government leaders and media, leading to a significant rise in hostile activism among the populace, particularly among younger generations.

In the recent Edelman Trust Barometer report, Kenya has achieved recognition as the sixth most optimistic nation globally and the leading country in Africa. However, the survey indicated that only 53 percent of Kenyans believe the next generation will fare better than the current one, reflecting an underlying uncertainty regarding the nation’s future prospects.

Saudi Arabia emerges as the most optimistic country, with 69 percent optimistic about the future, closely followed by China. Other nations high on the optimism scale include India (66 percent) and Indonesia (65 percent), with the United Arab Emirates completing the top five at 60 percent.

In contrast, Kenya surpasses the global average of 36 percent, as found in the report, revealing that in many developed nations, less than 20 percent of the populace feels optimistic about the future for their children. Despite the positive ranking, the report also outlines a significant grievance regarding key institutions, as 80 percent of Kenyans express mistrust towards government leaders, fearing they mislead the public.

The report highlights an increased demand for news and information, with citizens becoming more vigilant in holding politicians accountable for their statements. Alarmingly, there has been a growing perception among the public that journalists mislead them, with 56 percent indicating concerns about distinguishing credible news from misinformation.

Moreover, 60 percent of the population believes media organizations prioritize attracting larger audiences over providing essential information, while 54 percent feel that news outlets focus more on promoting certain ideologies than serving the public interest. This erosion of trust in both media and government has led many Kenyans to consider activism as a mechanism for effecting change.

The prevalence of hostile activism is underscored by recent demonstrations that took place in June through August, where citizens protested against governmental shortcomings. Among those who advocate for aggressive activism, approximately 33 percent regard online attacks as effective, while 24 percent believe spreading misinformation could serve advocacy goals, and 21 percent justify threats or violence to ensure their demands are met.

Overall, 46 percent of Kenyans view hostile activism as a legitimate form of achieving change, particularly among those aged 18 to 34. The findings originate from a study conducted by the Edelman Trust Institute, which interviewed over 33,000 respondents in various countries between October 25 and November 16, 2024. The research examines vital indicators of trust across various sectors, including business, media, government, and NGOs, contributing to the discourse for the forthcoming year.

In summary, the Edelman Trust Barometer report underscores Kenya’s prominent position in global optimism while simultaneously revealing a stark concern regarding trust in government and media. The divergence in opinions may result in increased activism, highlighting a critical need for both accountability and credible information in society.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke