Over 60% of Nyanza, Mt Kenya residents take handouts to attend political rallies – TIFA
By Paulette Mboga, December 23, 2025A recent TIFA survey shows that over 60% of residents in Nyanza and Mt Kenya admitted taking handouts to attend political rallies.
The survey, released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, looked at rally attendees across Kenya, found that incentives for participation are common, particularly in certain regions.
Nearly half of those who attended a political rally since the last election said they received some form of financial or material “thank-you” either before or after the event.
The survey reveals that such compensation has been highest in Lower Eastern and Nyanza, with 66% and 65% of attendees, respectively, reporting receiving incentives.
In Mt Kenya, 61% admitted taking handouts.
The lowest levels were recorded in the South Rift and North Rift, at 34% and 32% respectively.
TIFA explains that while the impact of these incentives on overall attendance is unclear, they clearly play a role in motivating participation.
Types and amount of incentive
Among those who received something, two-thirds were given cash only, while 17% received both cash and food. The survey shows that for those who received cash only, about half received between Ksh101 and Ksh500.
Another 24% were given between Ksh501 and Ksh1,000. Around 18% of recipients were given more than this, with some receiving higher amounts up to Ksh1,000 and beyond.
The survey also notes that more opponents of the Broad-Based Government (BBG) or those with no opinion reported receiving such handouts than BBG supporters. TIFA says the survey did not ask the political affiliation of the rallies attended, so the findings reflect general trends rather than party-specific practices.
TIFA concludes that incentives remain a significant feature of political rallies in Kenya, particularly in regions like Nyanza and Mt Kenya.
They note that while financial or material encouragement may boost attendance, it also raises questions about the motivations behind political participation. Respondents’ experiences show a clearer picture of how cash and other benefits continue to shape engagement in political events across the country.