What effect does fiscal consolidation have on politics in ethnically polarized countries? In this study, we test whether austerity increases intentions to vote for co-ethnics. We test this argument with a survey experiment fielded in Kenya prior to the 2022 general election. We randomly inform some respondents that fiscal consolidation will take place after the election. We then analyze how this treatment influences intentions to vote for co-ethnic candidates and general intentions to vote for co-ethnics.