Economic strain push half of Kenyans into mental stress -Survey

By Newsflash Reporter

The country’s prolonged economic hardships have pushed half of Kenyans into heightened psychological stress, exposing the growing mental and social toll of the high cost of living, a new Infotrak survey has revealed.

The findings point to an economy that is not only straining household finances but also eroding well-being across regions, age groups, and genders.

According to the Infotrak End of Year Poll released on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 50 per cent of respondents said economic pressure has increased their overall stress and anxiety, while 25 per cent reported that it has negatively affected their mental health. A further 22 per cent said the strain has led to physical health problems, and 17 per cent cited tension in personal relationships.

Psychosocial impact of the economy

The survey shows that economic hardship is now deeply intertwined with psychosocial distress. For many households, rising prices, unemployment, and low wages are translating into constant worry, fatigue, and anxiety. Analysts note that when families struggle to meet basic needs such as food, rent, school fees, and healthcare, psychological stress becomes unavoidable.

The data suggests that stress is no longer limited to vulnerable groups alone but has spread across income levels and regions. With unemployment and high food prices ranked as the biggest financial challenges nationally, many Kenyans feel trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, where daily survival takes precedence over long-term planning.

National and regional well-being strain

Nationally, increased stress and anxiety stood out as the most common psychosocial effect at 50 per cent. However, the impact varies significantly by region. The Coast region recorded the highest levels of stress, with 56 per cent of respondents reporting increased anxiety, followed by Nyanza (54 per cent) and Western (53 per cent). In contrast, Nairobi reported comparatively lower levels at 40 per cent, although mental health effects in the capital remain significant.

Negative mental health effects were most pronounced in North Eastern Kenya, where 37 per cent said economic hardship had affected their mental health, well above the national average of 25 per cent.

Physical health issues linked to stress were highest at the Coast (32 per cent) and in Nyanza (25 per cent), reflecting the close link between financial strain and physical well-being.

Strain on personal relationships was most evident in Western Kenya, where 26 per cent reported tension at home, compared with 17 per cent nationally. These regional differences highlight how economic pressure manifests differently depending on livelihoods, cost structures, and levels of vulnerability.

Gender and age dimensions

The psychosocial burden of the economy cuts across gender lines almost evenly. The survey shows that 50 per cent of both men and women reported increased stress and anxiety. However, women were slightly more likely to report strain on personal relationships (19 per cent) compared to men (16 per cent), reflecting the added emotional burden often carried within households.

Age differences are more pronounced. Young adults aged 18–26 years reported the highest levels of physical health issues linked to economic stress at 35 per cent, suggesting that financial insecurity is taking a tangible toll on younger populations.

Those aged 46–55 years recorded the highest levels of increased stress and anxiety at 53 per cent, while respondents over 55 years were more likely to report worsening finances and long-term worry.

Mental health effects were most common among Kenyans aged 27–35 years (28 per cent) and 36–45 years (27 per cent), groups often burdened by employment instability, family responsibilities, and school fees.

Methodology

The Infotrak End of Year Poll was conducted between December 19 and 20, 2025, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI). The survey sampled 1,000 adult Kenyans aged 18 years and above across all 47 counties, using population-proportionate sampling guided by the 2019 Census. It has a margin of error of ±3.1 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level and achieved a 99 per cent response rate. Data was weighted and analysed using SPSS to ensure national representativeness.

Overall, the findings reveal that Kenya’s economic challenges are no longer just a matter of income and prices, but a growing mental health concern that is shaping daily life, relationships, and overall well-being for millions of households.