Introduction
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is a civic forum that seeks to promote pluralism of ideas through open, active and informed debate on public policy issues. Through its Futures programme, IEA seeks to facilitate increased utilization of futures methodologies ( Vision Building, Scenarios thinking and Strategic Planning) in research, policy debate and decision making processes.
Following the 2007 post election violence, IEA found it necessary to conduct a perception study dabbed ‘The Kenya Divide’ which endeavored to bring out people’s perceptions about the origin and nature of fundamental divides in the country. The survey was undertaken to identify fault lines in our society which were visibly manifested by the post election violence.
It also sought to bring out people’s convictions and beliefs about these issues. These fundamental divides included;
1 Religious,
2 Ethnic / tribal
3 Class
4 Inter-generational
5 Regional

IEA engaged Strategic PR which is a fully integrated research and Public Relations firm carrying out Market Surveys, Socio-Economic Surveys, Public Opinion Surveys and Public Relations related services and Media Monitoring. Who used a combination of qualitative, as well as quantitative research methodologies? The multi-stage sampling method was adopted to draw respondents for the sample in its polling surveys for the quantitative approach. The sampling frame for the survey was developed from the Electoral commission of Kenya (ECK) Register.
The sample size was 3001. The margin of error associated with a sample of this type is plus or minus 1.96 at 95% confidence level
Survey Objectives
To establish different perceptions on these issues i.e. the lenses that people view an issue through (however biased or colored or misinformed because that’s their world view, their reality)
To understand the dynamics at play regarding these issues and design possible ways of dealing with these dynamics
To design amicable ways of addressing the dynamics identified and inform/re-inform peoples mindsets
To input into the national dialogue and policies that will help build a sense of nationhood and national cohesion

The findings of this study are currently being used by IEA in its strategy to inform their stakeholders including policy makers about the perceptions of Kenyans on the divides and incorporating the voices of the citizenry of the country on agenda 4 issues.