During his visit, security being a major challenge in the country and the region dominated talks between President Obama and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta/FILE
Among 94pc of Kenyans aware of his visit, two thirds are convinced that the country will reap heavily in areas of trade, employment and general development at 55pc while 13pc hope the country’s security situation will improve.
During his visit, security being a major challenge in the country and the region dominated talks between President Obama and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta.
About a quarter of the 2,002 respondents who participated in the face-to-face interviews are convinced it will not be of any benefit to the country.
The survey however indicates that Jubilee supporters are more optimistic of the visit being productive at 66 pc against CORD’S at 62 pc.
This has been attributed to the fact that President Kenyatta was the main figure with whom Obama interacted with in contrast to the relatively little attention he gave the Opposition.
A clear majority of Kenyans at 56pc place the US as having good relations with Kenya, “more than three times as ‘popular’ as its nearest rival, China at 15pc. This represents a major change from the results of IPSOS’ 1st Quarter survey.”
During the three days visit that commenced on July 24, Obama applauded President Kenyatta’s anti-corruption campaign and called on all Kenyans to rally behind the call to tackle the vice. He said corruption is not unique to Kenya alone but it should not be tolerated anywhere.
The survey however indicates that only 8 percent of Kenyans believe the war on corruption will be enhanced following his visit.
“The good news is that your (Kenyatta) is taking some important steps in the right direction. People who violate public trust must be prosecuted,” Obama had said.
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