President William Ruto has declared 2026 a defining and transformative year for Kenya, expressing rare optimism about the country’s future in his New Year address to the nation on night.
In the speech delivered on December 31, the President said he has “never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026,” citing economic foundations laid over the past three years and early signs that tough policy decisions are beginning to pay off.
Ruto reflected on 2025 as a difficult but necessary year, saying it tested the nation’s resolve, unity and willingness to make sacrifices. He noted that while the measures taken since 2023 were often demanding, they were essential in stabilising the economy and setting Kenya on a clearer development path.
He stressed that Kenya is no longer drifting or experimenting, insisting the government now has a clear roadmap and defined targets.
According to the President, 2026 will be a year of large-scale execution, with accelerated completion of major projects across sectors including roads, railways, irrigation, sports infrastructure and convention centres.
A key focus of the address was economic empowerment. Ruto outlined ambitious goals to cut poverty levels by half and significantly reduce unemployment, arguing that growth must be achieved without overburdening taxpayers or pushing future generations into unsustainable debt.
The President also announced plans to operationalise major financing tools, including the National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, aimed at supporting long-term development and strategic investments starting early 2026.
Beyond economics, Ruto issued a strong call on families and communities to take responsibility for the wellbeing of children, warning about the growing threat of addiction and moral decay if early intervention is ignored.
He further sent a firm message to leaders across the political divide, saying leadership going forward will be judged strictly on performance and results rather than promises, seniority or popularity.
Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to remain united and seize the opportunities ahead, describing the coming year as a watershed moment for the country’s future, before wishing citizens a happy and blessed New Year.
