Doing business in Kenya is harder than 6 months ago – report
By Kiprono Keileb, October 24, 2025A new survey by Stahili Pulse Reports has revealed that nearly half of Kenyans believe businesses are performing worse than they were six months ago, signalling growing concern about the direction of the economy.
The findings come from a nationwide survey conducted ahead of United Nations Day on Friday, October 24, 2025, by Stahili Pulse Reports, which gathered responses from 1,209 Kenyans across the country, providing a broad reflection of public opinion from diverse regions and demographics across Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega and other counties.
The nationwide survey conducted shows that 49.6 per cent of Kenyans feel business conditions have declined, while 34.1 per centbelieve things have improved, and 16.3 per cent say they have remained about the same.
The findings paint a picture of mixed emotions across the country, cautious optimism from some, but deep frustration from many others who feel that the cost of doing business has become unbearable. The result is a cycle of uncertainty that is slowly wearing out the confidence of Kenya’s working class.
Still, some remain hopeful. Divide in perception highlights Kenya’s uneven recovery, one that benefits sectors tied to technology and urban growth while leaving traditional small and medium enterprises behind.
As the country marks United Nations Day, the report serves as a reminder that behind the numbers and statistics are real people, shopkeepers, boda boda riders, farmers, and young hustlers, who continue to push through difficult times, hoping for better days ahead.
Retail prices
The same report also painted a grim picture of the perception of Gen Zs who believe that the prices of basic goods will continue going up. According to the report, 66.4 per cent of respondents, predominantly from the Gen Z demographic, believe retail prices will go up, while 23.1 per cent expect them to go down. Only 10.5 per cent think prices will remain stable.
Gen Z, which accounted for more than half (52.5 per cent) of the 1,209 survey participants, expressed some of the strongest views on the economy’s direction. Many in this age group rated the government’s economic performance poorly, with most describing it as either fair or poor.
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