Jael Keya
Institut de Publique Sondage d’Opinion Secteur (Ipsos) firm bans political polls in Kenya, as lead researcher, Tom Wolf, exits the firm.
Announcing his leave, Tom Wolf noted that Ipsos in France decided that its Kenyan subsidiary should no longer include political survey results in its public releases “for the foreseeable future.”
“I was therefore given notice, which took effect on 31st March this year. I am thus no longer associated with Ipsos,” Wolf mentioned in a notice sent to newsrooms.
Wolf added that while in the firm, he had to frequently fight off claims of government influence in previous surveys.
In a statement, Wolf noted: “As far as I know, there has been no Kenya Government interference which has led to this decision. However, on the basis of this decision, it was judged that my position as research analyst had become redundant.
Read: Angela Ambitho upstaged Tom Wolf in this election’s polling propaganda
Additionally, Wolf stated on Sunday that he has no intentions of leaving Kenya.
He asserted: “I have no intention of leaving Kenya, I will be exploring other opportunities here where my knowledge and skills can contribute to the country’s development.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, given that these scientifically designed and implemented surveys have revealed the awareness, perceptions and aspirations held by Kenyans regarding many critical issues,” he concluded.
Wolf has worked on public affairs surveys and related research since 2005 with Stedman, Synovate and Ipsos.
During the 2017 presidential polls, Ipsos was harshly criticized by ODM leaders who accused the firm of releasing results that were inclined towards the interest of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ipsos is headquartered in Paris and has branches across the globe with offices in at least 13 African countries.
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