FY 2023 Kenya Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | September 2023 Acknowledgements The Kenya Country Opinion Survey is part of the Country Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Kenya country team and independent fielding agency, SBO Research Limited. In particular, BI is grateful for support from Keziah Muthembwa (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Nairobi, Kenya. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the WBG in Kenya Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Kenya perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How do stakeholders perceive the country’s direction? How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG in terms of its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Kenya’s development priorities, as well as other key indicators? Are opinions improving or worsening? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement and Work on the Ground: What do key stakeholders value the most and the least when it comes to the WBG’s work in Kenya? How is the WBG perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or worsening? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG’s financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or worsening? What are stakeholders’ suggestions to improve the WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics that the WBG communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 26% ▪ Fielded May 2023 through June 2023 ▪ 541 potential participants asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey. Private Sector 19% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaires online or they received them by courier and returned them accordingly. ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by Civil Society Organization 13% the fielding agency. ▪ Process managed on the ground by the fielding agency. Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 9% ▪ 327 participants (60% response rate) Academia / Research Institute / ▪ 68% from the Nairobi region. Think Tank 9% ▪ 74% currently collaborate with the WBG. Media 8% ▪ Compared to Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Country Survey ▪ 423 participants (69% response rate). County Government 6% ▪ Surveys completed with a representative from the local fielding agency or they were completed with the questionnaires online. ▪ 75% collaborated with the WBG. Office of the President… 5% Office of the President also includes: Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Attorney General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries; Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Parliament (National Assembly / 5% Chief Justice Senate) Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=326) 5 6 Overall Context “The World Bank can play a crucial role in supporting Kenya's efforts to improve efficiency in several areas in infrastructure development, where, by investing in infrastructure projects such as transportation, energy, water, and telecommunications, the World Bank will be enhancing connectivity, reducing … logistics costs, and promoting … economic growth.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) Respondents in Kenya are Positive about the Country’s Direction Nearly two-thirds of all respondents felt that Kenya was headed in the right direction. Just 21% felt that the country was headed in the wrong direction. ▪ Respondents including government principals, government institutions, and county governments were significantly more likely to indicate that Kenya was 63% headed in the right direction (94%, 80%, and 81%, respectively) whereas more than half of all civil society The right direction respondents (52%) indicated that Kenya was headed in the wrong direction. The wrong direction ▪ This year’s data are consistent with theFY19 Country Not sure Survey, in which a majority of respondents indicated that they were “very optimistic” (47%) or “somewhat optimistic” (34%) about the future. 21% 16% Q In general, would you say that Kenya is headed in ... ? (Percentage of Respondents, N=326) 7 Familiarity with the World Bank has Increased ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country All Respondents 7.8 Survey reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the WBG as compared to FY19: Media 8.2 Mean familiarity: FY23 = 7.8 Government Institution 8.2 FY19 = 6.7 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who collaborate Civil Society 8.0 with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: County Government 7.8 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.1 Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 7.7 Do not collaborate = 7.0 Government Principals 7.6 Academia 7.6 Private Sector 7.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Note: Government Principals includes Office of the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Kenya? Attorney General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar (N=325) 8 Q Significantly different between stakeholder groups Secretaries; Chief Justice, and members of Parliament The World Bank is the Most The World Bank (IBRD and IDA)* 7.1 8.3 7.7 Trusted Institution in Kenya Private sector* 6.6 Civil society* 7.6 6.6 Respondents gave the highest ratings regarding trust in the World Bank, followed by the private sector, civil society, and the The United Nations* 7.5 7.0 United Nations (UN). At the same time, government institutions 7.3 in Kenya were the least trusted among the institutions studied, Academia / think tanks including the judiciary, national government, county Central Bank of Kenya* 7.3 governments, and Parliament. 6.8 Development and bilateral 7.2 ▪ Of note, ratings regarding trust in the World Bank, the private organizations* 6.6 sector, civil society, the UN, the Central Bank of Kenya, Media* 7.1 development and bilateral organizations, and the media were 6.5 significantly higher in FY23 than in the FY19 survey. FY23 International Finance Corporation 7.0 (IFC) FY19 ▪ In FY23, government principals gave the highest ratings 7.0 Regional organizations regarding trust in the WBG, whereas respondents from the 6.8 private sector gave significantly lower ratings of trust (this 6.7 The International Monetary Fund 6.8 stakeholder group also indicated the lowest levels of familiarity with the WBG). Multilateral Investment Guarantee 6.7 Agency (MIGA) Judiciary 6.3 The national government 6.2 6.1 County government 5.8 Parliament 5.6 To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree (FY23 N=~300; FY19 N~410) Mean Rating of Trust 9 *Significantly different between years 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “[The] WBG should focus more on accountability of programmes they fund in Kenya. [The] WBG may identify economic challenges and develop appropriate interventions to address them. However, if these interventions are not implemented as planned, then the desired outcome will not be achieved”. (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) Key Performance Indicators have Improved Since FY19 In FY23, respondents perceived the WBG as significantly 8.1 more relevant to development in Kenya, having more Relevance* influence on the development agenda, greater 7.3 effectiveness in achieving results, and being better aligned with their development priorities for the country compared to respondents in the FY19 survey. Influences the development 7.9 agenda* 7.3 ▪ Of note, respondents from government institutions and county governments gave the highest ratings, whereas those from the private sector gave significantly lower Effectiveness in achieving 7.9 ratings across all performance indicators (this results*^ FY23 7.3 stakeholder group also indicated the lowest levels of FY19 familiarity with the WBG). Alignment with development 7.4 priorities* 7.0 6.9 Ends extreme poverty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Kenya. Scale: 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Kenya? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective *Significantly different The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Kenya. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years The WBG’s work helps end extreme poverty in Kenya. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY19: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Kenya. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Ken ya? 11 Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Government Stakeholders Have 8.9 8.6 8.8 More Positive Trust* 7.6 7.9 8.5 Perceptions of the 8.4 8.3 8.6 WBG 8.3 8.1 Government Comparing the ratings of key 6.7 Principals performance indicators between Effectiveness* 7.5 7.4 Government stakeholder groups, a clear pattern 8.2 Institution emerged in their perceptions of the WBG 8.3 County and its work. Government respondents 8.6 Government (government principals, government 8.3 8.7 Biletral / institutions, and county governments) 7.2 Influence* 7.5 Multilateral tend to have the most positive 7.2 Civil perceptions, whereas the private sector 8.0 8.0 Society respondents were significantly less positive. Of note, respondents from 8.5 Private bilateral/multilateral agencies gave the 8.5 Sector 8.7 lowest ratings for the WBG’s Relevance* 7.8 Academia effectiveness in achieving results. 7.7 7.4 8.6 Media 8.2 Q 8.2 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Kenya. 7.7 Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 8.5 7.6 To what extent do you trust the WBG to do what is right? Alignment* 6.8 *Significantly different Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 6.5 between stakeholder To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Kenya? 7.5 groups Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 6.9 How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Mean Rating Kenya. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.5 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators Relevance* 7.3 among respondents highly familiar with the WBG 7.2 (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 8.3 10-point scale), it is evident that the more familiar Effectiveness* 7.3 stakeholders are with the WBG, the more positive 6.1 perceptions they have of the WBG and its work. 8.2 Meaningful engagement and outreach can Influence* 7.4 continue to increase positive perceptions. 6.7 8.2 Trust* 7.4 6.7 7.7 Alignment* 6.4 7.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Kenya? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Kenya. Scale: 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significantly different between Q To what extent do you trust the WBG to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree levels of familiarity To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Kenya? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Kenya. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 13 Kenya Rated Higher than Eastern and Southern Africa and IDA/Blend Countries on Key Performance Indicators in FY23 8.3 Trust* ** 7.1 7.0 8.1 Relevance* ** 6.7 Kenya FY23 7.0 7.9 Influence* ** 6.6 Eastern & 6.7 Southern Africa FY23 7.9 Effectiveness* ** 6.6 IDA/Blend FY23 6.7 7.4 Alignment* ** 6.3 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *Significantly different between Kenya FY23 and Eastern & Southern Africa FY23 **Significantly different between Kenya FY23 and IDA/Blend FY23 FY23 Eastern & Southern African countries included Sao Tome & Principe, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. 14 Q FY23 IDA/Blend countries included Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Honduras, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Mali, Nepal, Sao Tome & Principe, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, and Zimbabwe Stakeholder Trends across Performance Indicators Respondents from government, including county All Respondents 7.4 governments, government principals, and government institutions, had the highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to the seventeen COS indicator County Government 8.1 questions. However, respondents from the private sector had significantly lower ratings (they also had the lowest ratings of familiarity with the WBG). Government Principals 8.0 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who Government Institution 7.8 collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indictor questions Civil Society 7.3 compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Academia 7.1 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.5 Do not collaborate with WBG = 7.0 Bilateral/ 7.0 Multilateral Agency Media 7.0 Private Sector 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank’s Support in Development Areas “In my opinion, the WBG should try to have a bottom-up approach as much as possible and a focus on social inclusion and the most disadvantaged strata, while [also] being very vigilant on corruption and governance issues.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) Development Areas Agriculture and food security 42% for WBG Focus Health 42% Job creation / employment 40% Agriculture and food security, health, job Public sector governance 35% Top priority creation, and public sector governance were Significant increase for Private in priority compared Sector (50%) the top areas in FY23 where stakeholders would Climate change 32% like the WBG to focus its resources. to FY19 (7%) Education 29% Top priority in FY19 COS (45%) Water security 28% Top priority for County Government Gender equity 22% (71%) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Social Inclusion 22% could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? Debt sustainability 22% “Target interventions that address food insecurity, low incomes and unemployment, climate change and resilience, rural Transport 21% economic productivity and transformation. Do more on analytics Social protection 20% and advisory services and disseminate widely, including to [the] private sector.” (Government Institution Respondent) Energy 20% “The World Bank can support initiatives that foster a conducive Digital development 19% private sector growth and investment environment. This could involve providing financial instruments, technical assistance, and Macroeconomic stability 17% policy advice to enhance the business climate, streamline Financial sector development 17% regulations, promote entrepreneurship, and facilitate access to finance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).” Environment and natural resource 15% management (Media Respondent) Private sector development 15% Urban development 14% Trade and Regional Integration 13% 17 Q Which areas should the WBG prioritize in its work in Kenya to have the most impact on development results in the country? (Choose no more than 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=310) Effectiveness of WBG’s Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth 7.1 Support in Sectoral Areas Public sector governance 7.0 7.0 The WBG’s work in the area of climate change received the highest ratings Private sector development 6.8 of effectiveness in Kenya. Ratings for the WBG’s work in several sectors significantly declined this year compared to FY19, including top priority areas, Financial sector development* 6.4 such as agriculture and food security, health, and job creation. 7.2 6.3 FY23 Social protection* 6.8 Trade and Regional Integration* 7.2 7.4 FY19 6.8 6.0 Education* 7.3 Job creation / employment* 6.9 6.8 Human Development Health* 7.2 6.0 Debt sustainability 6.6 Social Inclusion* 7.1 FY23 5.8 6.5 Macroeconomic stability Gender equity FY19 6.7 Environmental Sustainability Transport* 7.2 7.3 6.4 Climate change Water security* 7.3 7.2 6.3 Infrastructure Urban development* 7.2 Environment / Natural 6.8 FY23 resource management 7.1 6.2 FY23 FY19 Digital Development FY19 Agriculture and 6.6 *Significantly different 5.9 food security^* Energy* 7.2 7.2 between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective do you believe the WBG is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective (If you have NO exposure to/experience Q in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) ^The mean of effectiveness of agriculture development and food security asked in FY19 was taken for this comparison analysis. 18 19 Work and Engagement on the Ground in Kenya “Be more alive to the political context through a more holistic risk assessment process; strengthen civic actor capacity and voice in its engagement; take a human rights-based approach; promote local policy options by investing in academia as opposed to importing Western models of development; be transparent in its global funding interests, for example, power generation [Independent Power Project] IPP agreements were poorly crafted and have made Kenya's power too costly.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) Financial Resources are the Bank’s Greatest Value As in FY19, financial resources were considered Providing financial resources to the 61% public sector the WBG’s greatest value to Kenya by respondents in FY23. Bringing together different stakeholder groups to support Kenya’s 55% Respondents in this year’s survey considered the development efforts WBG’s bringing together different stakeholder Capacity building and training 48% groups of much greater value, being identified by five times as many respondents as in FY19 (10%). Providing financing and advisory Capacity building/training was also of much services to the private sector via IFC 47% greater value, increasing from 31% in FY19. and MIGA In your opinion, what is the most important thing Mobilizing third-party financial the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness 47% resources in Kenya? Providing advisory services and “The WBG should focus more on enhancing [the] skills of analytics to support design or 35% various actors in the country to ensure timely implementation of policies implementation of funded projects without delay to ensure services are delivered in timely manner. Providing and disseminating data and 31% (County Government Respondent) statistics Producing research on global 30% development issues Advising on project implementation 26% When thinking about the WBG’s role in Kenya, which activity do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=299) 20 Perceptions of WBG Accessibility Improved, but Perceptions of Flexibility Declined In FY23, respondents reported significantly more positive perceptions regarding access to WBG staff; however, 7.3 perceptions of the WBG’s flexibility when circumstances Access to WBG staff and experts* change were significantly lower than in FY19. 6.9 ▪ Government respondents gave the highest ratings for these aspects of WBG partnership. However, bilateral/ multilateral respondents gave the lowest ratings for access 7.2 to staff (mean rating = 5.8). Media respondents gave the Responsiveness to needs lowest ratings for flexibility when circumstances change 7.1 and the WBG being a long-term partner (mean ratings = 3.9 and 5.5, respectively). Finally, the private sector FY23 respondents gave the lowest ratings for responsiveness to FY19 needs (mean rating = 6.4). 7.2 Being a long-term partner 7.4 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? “Increase the monitoring rate of activities in Kenya. This will 5.8 help the government and the WBG in achieving the set targets, Flexibility when circumstances impacting positively on the lives of people. Transparency and change*^ 6.6 accountability should be key in ensuring the funds are used as intended.” (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Kenya, in terms of each of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility 21 and flexibility to changes in country context asked in FY19. *Significantly different between years The WBG is Increasingly Seen as Effectively Collaborating with the National Government 7.6 The national government* In FY23, respondents perceived the WBG as collaborating 7.2 significantly more effectively with the national government than in FY19. The WBG’s collaboration with media and the 7.0 Parliament received the lowest rating from respondents. Civil society 6.8 ▪ Government respondents gave the highest ratings for most 7.0 aspects of the WBG’s partnership in Kenya. However, Private sector 6.8 respondents from the media and academia indicated significantly lower ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with the national government, county governments, the 6.9 Other development partners Parliament, civil society, and other development partners. 6.9 FY23 6.8 County governments FY19 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? 6.6 Academia “Given the size of its program, the World Bank could take a stronger leadership role in coordination among international development partners to create shared priorities and positions 6.5 on policy, legal, regulatory and institutional reform issues.” Media (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) “Working closely with civil society and academia for alternative Parliament (National Assembly 6.2 policy solutions.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) and Senate) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Kenya, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significantly different between years 22 Stakeholders want the World Bank Group to Collaborate More with National and County Governments Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that Low for Civil Society The national government 60% the WBG should collaborate more with the (28%) and Media (38%) national government and county governments. Increasing WBG collaboration with the private County governments 49% High for sector has gained importance among Bilateral/Multilaterals respondents, increasing from 21% in FY19. (64%), Government Principals (59%), Increased collaboration with the private sector is and Civil Society also recommended because respondents from the Civil society 44% (58%) private sector reported the lowest levels of familiarity with the WBG. It gave some of the lowest ratings for the WBG and its work. Private sector 36% Academia / research centers 35% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? Other development partners 32% “The Bank can enhance its convening power to engage other development partners to agree to Parliament (National High for Government 23% support the country on jointly identified projects, Assembly and Senate) Principals (52%) and Media (42%) especially regional road corridors to create more regional integration.” (Government Institution Respondent) Media 16% Which THREE of the following groups should the WBG collaborate with more in Kenya? (Choose no more than 3) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=299) 23 24 Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “[The WBG should focus on the] enrichment of the policy discourse and building of internal capacity to address the unique Kenyan challenges, assistance in development of the resource mobilization capacity of the ministry and alignment of legal and regulatory frameworks with existing national laws, regulations and international best practices.” (Office of the President Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) World Bank Group Lending Seen as Meeting Kenya’s Needs In terms of the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents Financial instruments of the World had the highest levels of agreement that the Bank’s Bank (IBRD and IDA) provided to the 7.7 financial instruments meet the needs of Kenya – and public sector meet the needs of Kenya that the Bank insists on accountability through its lending. The WBG insists on accountability ▪ Respondents this year had significantly higher levels 7.4 through its lending of agreement that the Bank’s financial instruments meet Kenya’s needs, but there was less agreement that the Bank’s financial support was timely Financial instruments of IFC provided compared to FY19 (both FY19, mean ratings = 7.1). to the private sector meet the needs 6.7 ▪ It should be noted that respondents from the private of Kenya sector, academia, and the media tended to give significantly lower ratings across all of these aspects The conditions of the WBG’s financing of the WBG’s financial support as compared to are competitive compared to markets 6.4 respondents from other stakeholder groups. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? The WBG provides financial support 6.3 in a timely manner^ “To work with Government in ensuring that no project that will stall for long and [that] funds disbursement … [will be] done in a timely manner.” (Government Institution Respondent) MIGA instruments meet the needs of 6.1 Kenya “Provide budget support to the government, insist on accountability, and work closely with oversight bodies and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 civil society.” (Academia Respondent) Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to “The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly” asked in FY19. 25 Most Respondents have Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work Have you used the WBG’s advisory More than half of all respondents reported that they had used services and analytics in the past? the WBG’s knowledge work in the past. ▪ Respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies and the media were the most likely to have used the WBG’s knowledge work (75% and 74%, respectively). In contrast, respondents from civil society were the least likely to have Not sure used the WBG’s knowledge work (39%). 16% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? “Generate analytical work to inform long-term plans for the Yes No 57% country and to assess progress.” 27% (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) Q Have you used the WBG’s advisory services and analytics in the past? (Percentage of Respondents, N=300) 26 Stakeholders Believe WBG Knowledge Work Significantly Contributes to Development Results In terms of the WBG’s knowledge work, respondents WBG knowledge work significantly 7.9 had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG’s contributes to development results in Kenya* 7.3 knowledge work provides a significant contribution to development results in Kenya. The rating I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.7 significantly improved compared to FY19. knowledge work in Kenya 7.5 In contrast, respondents this year had significantly lower levels of agreement that the WBG’s knowledge work is timely, tailored to Kenya’s context, and I anticipate using the WBG's knowledge 7.4 adequately disseminated as compared to work in the future respondents in FY19. The WBG brings global expertise to Kenya 7.3 Respondents who had used the WBG’s knowledge FY23 as part of its knowledge work^ work in the past had significantly higher levels of FY19 agreement for all of these aspects of the WBG’s knowledge work compared to respondents who had 6.4 The WBG’s knowledge work is timely* not used it. 6.9 ▪ Compared to respondents from other stakeholder The WBG’s advice and recommendations 6.3 groups, those from the private sector, academia, are tailored to Kenya’s context^* 6.8 and the media had the lowest levels of agreement that the WBG’s knowledge work brings global expertise, is tailored to Kenya’s context, and is The WBG’s knowledge work is adequately 6.2 adequately disseminated – and that they anticipate disseminated* 6.7 using the WBG’s knowledge work in the future. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities Q make to development results in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to "Are source of relevant information on global good practices" and “Are adaptable to Kenya’s specific development 27 challenges and country circumstances”, respectively, asked in FY19. *Significantly different between years 28 The Future Role of the World Bank in Kenya “By becoming more proactive in its engagements with non -state actors. It should cease being politically correct on issues.” (Media Respondent) “The Bank could help in enhancing good governance, especially in promoting accountability in the public sector.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) What the WBG could Do to Increase its Effectiveness in Kenya Operations: Respondents across stakeholder groups emphasized the importance of In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG tailoring to local contexts and enhancing monitoring to ensure the appropriate could do to help increase its disbursement of funds and effective results. effectiveness in Kenya? “Ensure that [Task Team Leaders] TTLs are based in Kenya and understand the operating Categories of responses environment.” Communication (Government Institution Respondent) 4% “Tailor its interventions to the Kenyan consumer, [and do] not prescribe solutions just because they've worked elsewhere in the world.” (Media Respondent) Collaboration 20% “Involve local expertise as much as possible.” (Academia Respondent) Areas for WBG focus 44% “Have more people in the organization that have actually run projects or businesses themselves, so [that] have hands-on experience.” (Private Sector Respondent) Operations “Close monitoring of the funds they disburse [is important].” (Parliament Respondent) 32% There were also some respondents who suggested that the WBG should be more flexible when developing policy/program recommendations. “Be more responsive to the changing needs of the country.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Avoid preconceived ideas and notions and take [a] keen interest … [in] the skyrocketing poverty situation at household levels and support the Kenyan community to meaningfully live in shared prosperity.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do Q to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (Please be specific) (N=114) 29 What the WBG could Do to Increase its Effectiveness in Kenya Focus: Respondents frequently mentioned public sector Collaboration: Respondents mainly focused on the need for more governance and private sector development as key effective engagement with various stakeholder groups to ensure focus areas for the WBG to help increase its effectiveness the WBG is meeting the needs of Kenya’s people, as well as in Kenya, along with job creation and social inclusion. providing transparency and accountability. “Demand for greater accountability from public sector players by “Ensure that there is adequate stakeholder engagement before developing markets, institutions, and economies that are stable, supporting an initiative. This will ensure that the needs of the equitable, and efficient.” (Private Sector Respondent) beneficiaries are met.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Conduct a specialized policy study on a development strategy “Inclusivity of stakeholder engagement, awareness of its work, more that would change Kenya from [a] primarily services-based collaboration with the private sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) [gross domestic product] GDP with stagnating agriculture to an export-led, rapidly-industrializing African country offering more “Better coordination with other [international financial institutions] IFIs.” quality jobs… [This could be achieved] by exploiting the (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) proposed US-Kenya partnership agreement. Use the model as an example for the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.” Communication: Respondents would like to see the WBG (Academia Respondent) communicate and engage more with the public – and for more details “Improve oversight on governance and embrace the private to be disclosed. sector.” (Media Respondent) “Increase public participation in decision making.” “Enhance … social inclusivity in [the] economic development of (Government Institution Respondent) Kenya for the poor and vulnerable households by providing “Encourage consultation with all stakeholders when designing their programs.” direct support.” (Government Institution Respondent) (County Government Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do Q to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (Please be specific) (N=114) 30 31 Communications and Outreach “Give very specific details. Break down as much as you can.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kenya? (N=114) Stakeholders Relied on Official Government Sources for Information Respondents mostly relied on official government resources to obtain information about socioeconomic development issues. However, the differences between stakeholder groups in their most utilized information sources should be noted. Top 2 Information Sources Bilateral / Government Government Local Multilateral Private All Respondents Principals Institution Government Agency Civil Society Sector Academia Media Official government statistics, websites, 55% 70% 66% 83% 70% 32% 36% 56% 48% and publications* Newspapers 46% 47% 50% 44% 48% 51% 53% 30% 22% (Print or online) Social media 45% 43% 38% 44% 39% 51% 51% 41% 61% Research by Academia 45% 37% 41% 28% 52% 59% 42% 63% 35% Television (TV) 42% 43% 43% 50% 39% 54% 42% 22% 43% e-Newsletters 20% 23% 23% 6% 9% 15% 29% 19% 17% Radio 11% 10% 13% 17% 9% 0% 11% 19% 22% Podcasts 9% 7% 8% 0% 0% 12% 9% 19% 17% Blogs* 8% 0% 8% 0% 4% 7% 9% 11% 26% Other 5% 7% 3% 11% 4% 7% 4% 11% 0% How do you get most of your information about economic and social development Q issues in Kenya? (Choose no more than 3) (Percentage of Respondents, N=298) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 32 Events, Direct Contacts, and the WBG Website were the Most Preferred Sources for Obtaining WBG Information Respondents reported using a variety of sources to obtain information from the WBG, but the most preferred were events, direct contact, and the WBG website. However, the differences between stakeholder groups in their most preferred sources should be noted. Top 2 Preferred WBG Sources Bilateral / All Government Government Local Multilateral Private Respondents Principals Institution Government Agency Civil Society Sector Academia Media Event/conference/ 63% 82% 62% 65% 83% 56% 50% 77% 43% seminar/workshop* Direct contact with staff 46% 50% 49% 71% 57% 32% 39% 42% 43% Website 44% 43% 47% 41% 61% 37% 35% 46% 48% e-Newsletters 33% 29% 28% 24% 35% 46% 43% 27% 17% Social media 31% 18% 32% 18% 17% 41% 31% 27% 48% Direct messaging* 31% 14% 34% 6% 13% 37% 48% 27% 26% Interviews and press conferences 28% 32% 29% 29% 13% 34% 31% 8% 35% Blogs 9% 4% 9% 6% 9% 12% 2% 23% 17% Podcasts 5% 0% 3% 6% 4% 5% 4% 15% 13% Other 1% 0% 3% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 4% How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group Q and its work? (Choose no more than 3) (Percentage of Respondents, N=291) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 33 Nearly 7 in 10 Engaged with the WBG in the Last 30 Days Sixty-eight percent of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG in the last 30 days. Respondents from government institutions and county governments were the most likely to recall something (both 83%). However, respondents from civil society and the private sector were significantly less likely to do so (43% and 51%, respectively). Respondents reported seeing that information most often through direct contacts, events, and the WBG website/publications. Among respondents who selected “Social media”, nearly half reported seeing something on Twitter. Direct contact with WBG staff 42% Event / conference / seminar 36% WBG Website / 34% WBG Publications Television (TV) 29% Newspapers (Print or online) 28% 49% Social media 28% 31% 30% e-Newsletters 10% 28% Direct messaging 9% 18% 13% Radio 9% Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Blogs 5% Other 2% Podcasts 1% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? (N=204) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=205) 34 What social media platforms do you recall seeing this information on? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=109) WBG’s Work on Climate Change/Resilience to Natural Disasters was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled the WBG’s work and/or WBG work or research on climate change research on climate change and greater resilience to natural 40% and greater resilience to natural disasters disasters. WBG work or research on food insecurity 34% ▪ Respondents from the media were significantly less likely to recall the WBG’s work on climate change and its work to support small WBG work that helps promote fiscal and debt producers and micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) 31% sustainability in Kenya (14% and 0%, respectively). ▪ Respondents from academia were significantly less likely to recall WBG global economic forecasts 31% the WBG’s work on human capital and food insecurity (both 5%) as compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. WBG work and support to small producers in 30% Kenya to help create more and better jobs WBG work or research on improve gender 22% equity and empowerment of women and girls In your opinion, what is the most important thing WBG support for greater public participation 19% the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in decision-making in Kenya? WBG work on Kenya’s digital connectivity 17% “Decomposition by sub-sector and labour participation, green and climate-resilient growth, [and] gender inequality with a focus on economic participation and WBG work or research on human capital 17% work” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) WBG work or research on energy 16% Other 10% 35 Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=203) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concern: Food Insecurity / Food Prices Nine in 10 respondents were very concerned about food insecurity / food prices when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in Kenya. More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves, as well as increasing risks to agriculture and livestock livelihoods, were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be taken into consideration to make communications about climate change more impactful in Kenya. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned Food insecurity / food prices 92% More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves 75% Increasing risks to agricultural and livestock livelihoods 72% Climate-driven migration 67% Loss of forest and tree cover 63% Diminished water supply for people and the economy 61% Effects of pollution on public health 61% More frequent and severe floods 59% Air pollution / unsafe drinking water 59% Forest fires 56% Land degradation 53% Loss of biodiversity 49% Increase in natural disasters 40% Increase erosion of shoreline 33% Q What is your level of concern for each of the potential impacts of climate change as it affects your country? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~303) 36 Message Recall Leads to Message Agreement and More Positive Perceptions of the WBG Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing The World Bank Group… something about the WBG in the last 30 days helps address the current food crisis and 7.8 gave higher ratings on most key messages as enables greater preparedness to future food security crises 7.7 compared to those who did not recall seeing or hearing anything – and significantly so for the helps Kenya achieve greater resilience to 7.6 natural disasters related to climate change and message that the WBG supports Kenya in reduce Kenya’s extreme water insecurity 7.5 achieving universal access to electricity. is improving gender equity and inclusion for 7.1 Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing women and girls 6.9 something about the WBG gave significantly helps strengthen human capital by supporting higher ratings for the WBG’s relevance (mean greater equity in health and learning outcomes 6.8 = 8.3) and alignment (mean = 7.6) as and expand access to social safety nets 6.3 compared to those who did not see or hear helps promote fiscal and debt sustainability in 6.7 anything about the WBG recently (means = 7.0 Kenya 6.8 and 7.0, respectively). helps create more and better jobs in Kenya by 6.7 These findings suggest that respondents supporting small producers and MSMEs 6.5 Heard about who are more frequently exposed to the WBG in information about the WBG, or who actively helps Kenya rebuild trust between citizens and last 30 days 6.5 engage with WBG staff and knowledge work the state through greater public participation in decision-making 6.5 (read research papers, etc.) are also more likely to hold more positive views about the 6.5 Did not hear helps Kenya strengthen its digital connectivity about the WBG’s work. 6.1 WBG in last 30 days supports Kenya in achieving universal access 6.5 to electricity* 5.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? *Significantly different between recall yes/no Mean Rating Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 37 More Frequent Engagement ➔ More Message Recall Respondents who recalled hearing something about the WBG in the last 30 days had significantly more frequent interactions with the institution across all engagement channels. Yes – Recalled seeing/hearing something No – Did not recall seeing/hearing about the WBG in last 30 days something about the WBG in last 30 days Read or heard a story about the Read or heard a story about the 57% 23% 13% 24% WBG in international media WBG in national or local media Read a WBG post / tweet on social Read or heard a story about the 56% 23% 13% 28% media WBG in international media Visited a WBG website 50% 38% Read a WBG post / tweet on social 11% 18% media Had an exchange with WBG staff, in Had an exchange with WBG staff, person, virtually, or by 47% 34% in person, virtually, or by 11% 18% phone/email/text phone/email/text Read or heard a story about the 46% 33% Visited a WBG website 8% 24% WBG in national or local media Read some, or all, of a WBG Attended a WBG 40% 41% event/conference/seminar/worksho 7% 16% research paper or publication p Attended a WBG 35% 43% Read a WBG e-newsletter 7% 21% event/conference/seminar/workshop Read a WBG e-newsletter 32% 30% Read some, or all, of a WBG 3% 26% research paper or publication Every few days/weeks Every few months Every few days/weeks Every few months Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how often did you do any of the following related to the WBG? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~275) Q Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? (Yes N=~180; No N=~88) 38 Stakeholders are Aware of the Feedback Process and Feel that the Bank Listens to Them Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated that they knew where and how to provide feedback to the WBG regarding its projects. In addition, a majority (59%) agree that they can influence the WBG’s decisions regarding areas it supports in Kenya. Aware of how and where to provide feedback I can influence WBG’s decisions on to WBG on its projects? the areas of its support to Kenya Strongly disagree Strongly Disagree 7% agree No 9% 20% 30% Neither 25% Yes 71% Agree 39% Q I am aware of where and how to provide feedback to the WBG on its project work. (Percentage of Respondents, N=292) 39 I can influence World Bank Group’s decisions on the areas of its support to Kenya. (Percentage of Respondents, N=300) 40 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics Which of the following is the primary specialization Currently, do you of your work? (N=298) professionally No Public sector governance 7% collaborate/ work 26% Social protection 7% with the WBG in Agriculture and food security 7% your country? (N=325) Education 6% Urban development 6% Respondents from bilateral/multilateral Yes Health 6% agencies and government institutions were significantly more likely to indicate that they 74% Financial sector development 6% collaborate with the WBG (93% and 91%, respectively) compared to respondents from Generalist 6% other stakeholder groups. Energy / Extractives 5% Climate change / natural resource management 5% Communications 5% Which of the World Bank Private sector development 82% 4% following agencies (IBRD/IDA) Finance and markets 4% of the WBG do Job creation/employment 4% you primarily IFC 13% Transport 4% collaborate/work Macroeconomics, fiscal management 3% with in Kenya? Water, sanitation 3% (N=235) MIGA 3% Trade 3% Respondents from private sector were Other 3% significantly more likely to indicate that they collaborate with the IFC (44%) ICSID 2% Disaster risk management 2% compared to respondents from other Gender 2% stakeholder groups. Digital development 1% 41 Sample Demographics (continued) Within your What’s your Mid-level organization, would decision-maker / gender? Female you describe manager (N=296) 28% yourself as… ? 22% Senior (N=299) level 40% Male Mid-level 72% staff 38% What is your age? Which best 25 and under <1% Nairobi region 68% (N=302) represents your geographic North and 26-35 25% Northeastern region 11% location? (N=299) Eastern and 36-45 33% Central region 6% 46-55 27% Rift valley region 6% 56 and above Western/Nyanza region 5% 15% Coastal region 4% 42 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2019 FY 2023 A total of 541 stakeholders in Kenya were invited to provide their opinions regarding the WBG’s work Government Principals: Office of the by participating in a Country Opinion Survey from May 2023 to June 2023. A list of potential President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Attorney General, Cabinet 6% 10% participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the fielding agency. Participants were drawn Secretaries, Principal Secretaries; Chief from the Office of the President, Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Attorney General, Cabinet Justice; Parliamentarian Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Chief Justice, Parliament, Government Institutions, County Government Institutions: Employee Governments, Bilateral/ Multilateral Agencies, the Private Sector, Civil Society, Academia, and the of a Ministry, Department, Project Media. Implementation Unit, Independent 37% 26% Government Institution, Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 327 participated in the survey (60% response rate). Respondents received the questionnaires via courier and returned it accordingly or they completed the questionnaires online. County Government 4% 6% The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY19 COS Survey with a response rate Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, of 86% (N=423). Development Organization, Development 13% 9% Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as well as Civil Society: NGOs, Community-Based changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey instrument itself. Organization, Private Foundation, 14% 13% To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response scales/options Professional / Trade Association, were analyzed. This year’s survey saw an increased outreach to and/or response from government Faith-Based Group, Youth Group principles and the private sector, but a decreased response from government institutions. These Private Sector: Private Company, Financial differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be taken into consideration when 15% 19% Sector Organization, Private Bank interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 7% 9% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 3% 8% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Kenya COS FY23 Other 1% 0% Tables with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 417 327 43 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A2_6.1. To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A3. How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Kenya? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the WBG’s work in Kenya? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Kenya. A5. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Kenya. A7. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Kenya? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A8. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Kenya, in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2. Responsiveness to needs C3. Access to WBG staff and experts C4. Flexibility when circumstances change C5. Being a long-term partner To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Kenya, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C7_1.Collaboration with the national government C7_5.Collaboration with the private sector C7_6.Collaboration with civil society C7_7.Collaboration with other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C8_1. The WBG’s financial instruments meet the needs of Kenya (that is, investment lending, Development Policy Loans, Trust Funds, Program-for- Results). C10_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory services and analytical work in Kenya. C10_4. The WBG’s advice and recommendations are tailored to Kenya’s context. 44 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: Svetlana Markova smarkova@worldbankgroup.org