NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 19 – Most of South Sudanese living in Nairobi will return home if results of the recent referendum call for the South to separate from the North, according to a new survey.
The poll by Synovate released on Tuesday indicated that at least 96 percent of those interviewed planned to go back home and be part of the building a new South Sudan republic.
“Although there will be many problems of resettlement and so on, those who have stayed in Kenya have benefited from the education system here and have something to contribute to building that country’s future,” said Synovate Research Consultant Tom Wolf who released the results.
“I think that the government and the people of Southern Sudan will be happy with them to come home… perhaps they even have some savings for investments.”
Mr Wolf said the refugees would be seeking employment in the government, civil society or start businesses.
“Majority (48 percent) of the interviewees want to work for the new government followed by those who want to establish businesses while 14 percent want to work with the civil society,” said Mr Wolf.
The research conducted mid last week interviewed a total of 1,026 Sudanese nationals randomly selected in Nairobi. A total of 15,000 Southern Sudanese nationals registered for the cessation referendum in Kenya with 5,000 registered in Nairobi.
The vote that lasted a week ended last Saturday with an overwhelming majority in Kenya voting for cessation.
According to the poll, 91 percent of those interviewed by mid last week had already voted.
The respondents expressed confidence with the current Government of Southern Sudan and said it would ensure peace in a new nation.
“An overwhelming 75 percent expressed confidence in the current leadership,” said Mr Wolf.
Asked what challenges they expect for the new nation the respondents indicated economic prosperity, unity, security and boarder disputes.
2011 Outlook by Kenyans
In another survey conducted by Synovate on the expectations of Kenyans it the New Year, a majority were optimistic that the economy will improve this year.
According to the survey, 66 percent are “optimistic that Kenya’s economic situation will be better in 2011, than last year.”
Fourteen percent think that it shall be worse while another 10 percent think it will remain the same.
However regarding personal economic change Kenyans remain lukewarm with only 41 percent saying it will be better.
“Out of the respondents, 36 percent think it is going to be worse while 20 percent think it is going to be worse,” reported Mr Wolf.
While releasing the results, the Synovate Research Consultant said that more Kenyans believe that the country will be more peaceful this year.
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