A growing number of Kenyans are warming to the idea of a broad-based government, with support doubling in the last six months, a new national poll by TIFA Research shows. The findings suggest a potential fatigue with confrontational politics, even as a majority remains deeply concerned about the economy and the country's direction.

This shift in public attitude presents a complex new reality for Kenya's political landscape. It signals that despite widespread economic hardship, citizens may be prioritizing stability and cooperation over traditional opposition politics. The core question now is how this sentiment will shape the strategies of President William Ruto's administration and an opposition grappling with its identity.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The TIFA survey, conducted in November 2025, reveals a dramatic change in political sentiment compared to earlier in the year. The data highlights a clear trend:

• Support Doubles: Approval for a broad-based government surged from 22% in May to 44% in November.
• Opposition Shrinks: Those opposing the arrangement have decreased from a high of 64% in August to 48%, the lowest level recorded by TIFA in its recent surveys.
• Economic Pain Persists: Despite the growing acceptance of political cooperation, two-thirds of Kenyans (67%) feel their economic situation has worsened since 2022.
• Wrong Direction: A significant 68% of citizens believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with the highest dissatisfaction recorded in the Mt. Kenya region (83%).

The peak resistance to the unity government in August was likely influenced by the violent suppression of protests in June and July, memories of which may now be fading, the research firm noted.

A Search for Stability Over Politics?

The formation of the broad-based government began to take shape after President Ruto backed the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. This partnership led to the appointment of several senior ODM leaders to cabinet and other key government posts, effectively neutralizing the party's role as the official parliamentary opposition.

Analysts suggest that as the political arrangement has matured, more Kenyans have either accepted or warmed to the concept, even as opposition remains substantial. This pragmatism, however, exists alongside deep economic anxiety. The fact that support for the government's structure is rising while dissatisfaction with the economy remains high presents a paradox for leaders.

The poll indicates that the economy, unemployment, and high taxes remain the most serious problems facing Kenyans today. For many, the appeal of a unity government may lie in the hope that political stability could provide the necessary environment for leaders to finally address the bread-and-butter issues affecting households across the nation.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, this shift in public opinion will be a critical factor. It challenges the long-held assumption that fierce opposition is the only path to political relevance and forces all players to reconsider what Kenyans truly want from their leaders: a fight, or a solution.