A new opinion poll by Mwelekeo Insights has provided a data-driven assessment of public confidence in President William Ruto’s latest cabinet appointments.
The survey, which gathered responses from 11,813 Kenyan adults through online surveys and telephone interviews, offers insights into the perceived suitability, experience, and effectiveness of the new appointees.
The study reveals that 74.5% of respondents believe the cabinet appointees have relevant academic qualifications, while 10.5% argue that some lack the necessary educational background. About 15% of respondents were undecided on the issue.
Beyond education, 61.2% of those surveyed felt that the appointees have sufficient professional experience to execute their duties, but 32.7% expressed doubts about their ability to handle the demands of their respective ministries. A smaller fraction, 6.1%, remained neutral.
Public confidence in the cabinet’s overall efficiency stood at 58.6%, suggesting a general optimism about their performance.
However, 35.4% of respondents indicated skepticism, citing concerns about political influence, policy execution, and past governance records.
A further 6% neither approved nor disapproved. The vetting process also drew mixed reactions, with 65.3% considering it transparent, while 21.7% found it inadequate, and 13% were unsure.
When examining specific sectors, approval ratings varied significantly.
The Ministry of Trade and Industrialization received a 60.3% confidence rating, while the ICT & Digital Economy docket registered a lower approval at 49.9%, reflecting public concerns about policy direction and leadership suitability.
Agriculture and Livestock Development, a key ministry affecting many Kenyans, recorded a 57.9% approval rate, though issues such as food security and subsidy programs remain hotly debated.
The political impact of these appointments was another focal point of the survey.
While 38.5% of respondents believe that the appointments will strengthen the ruling party’s influence, 41.2% think they will have little or no impact on the country’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, 20.3% worry that the selections could deepen political divisions, particularly in regions with historical grievances over representation.
A statistical analysis of confidence ratings across ministries showed moderate variation, with a standard deviation of 6.4 percentage points.
Additionally, a correlation analysis between prior experience and public confidence produced a strong coefficient of 0.72, suggesting that past governance roles significantly shape public perception.
Mwelekeo Insights has consistently provided critical evaluations of Kenya’s leadership.
In 2024, the firm conducted a similar study on public confidence in Ruto’s economic policies, which highlighted regional disparities in economic expectations.
The latest findings reinforce the need for continuous public engagement and performance monitoring to ensure that governance meets citizens’ expectations.
