Most Nairobi Voters Believe County is on the Wrong Track , CAP Survey
Onchari Oyieyo,CAP CEO pose for a photo during a press briefing on the release of the main opinion poll for the 2025 Nairobi County Leadership postures by CAP.
A new study by the Centre for African Progress (CAP) has revealed that an overwhelming 92 percent of Nairobi’s registered voters believe the county is moving in the wrong direction, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with governance and service delivery.
Speaking during a press briefing, Onchari Oyieyo,CAP Chief Executive Officer (CEO),noted that the 2025 Nairobi County Leadership Study, conducted between March 6 and 9, surveyed 4,000 registered voters across all 85 wards.
The research, which utilized quota and purposive sampling, reflects the sentiments of residents in Kenya’s largest and most economically significant county.
Onchari highlited the Key Findings from the report which include;Nairobi, which boasts 2,490,414 registered voters and a GDP of $14.8 billion (as of 2017), remains the political and administrative hub of Kenya. The county’s population has surged from 4.3 million in 2019 to an estimated 5.5 million in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for services and infrastructure.
Despite its economic importance, the study indicates that only 6 percent of respondents believe Nairobi is on the right track, 2 percent were unsure about the county’s trajectory while 92% of the registered votes believe that Nairobi is heading towards the wrong direction.
As the 2027 General Election draws closer, the study sheds light on the three key factors influencing voter decisions in Nairobi which includes,
Candidate Appeal: Voters prioritize leaders who can articulate their vision, understand local issues, and engage effectively with the electorate.
Tribal Considerations: While few openly admit it, tribal affiliations continue to play a significant role in voting patterns.
Cash Incentives/Bribes: A small number of respondents acknowledged receiving financial inducements to vote for certain candidates with Nairobi’s 17 constituencies and 85 wards playing a crucial role in national politics, these findings could shape campaign strategies ahead of future elections.
Poll:Babu Owino Leads Nairobi Governor Race as Denis Waweru Closes
A new opinion poll has placed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the leading candidate in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, with 38% of voters backing his bid by feeling that he should be the governor.
The survey, conducted across various constituencies in the capital, shows former Dagoretti South MP Hon. Denis Waweru in second place with 31% support. Governor Johnson Sakaja, who is seeking re-election, garnered 14%, while Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi secured 7%. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya received 6% support, while 4% of respondents remained undecided.
The poll results indicate a highly competitive race, with Owino and Waweru emerging as the frontrunners. As the election approaches, candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns to sway the undecided voters and solidify their support base.
The overwhelming perception that the county is on the wrong path suggests a rising demand for leadership that can address the city’s pressing challenges.
As political temperatures rise, all eyes will be on how candidates position themselves to win over Nairobi’s increasingly skeptical electorate.
By Sharon Atieno
