Eldoret, Kenya — In a passionate New Year’s address delivered from Eldoret State Lodge on December 31, 2025, President William Ruto proclaimed unprecedented excitement for 2026, calling it a “watershed year” and turning point in Kenya’s journey toward prosperity. “I have never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026,” he said, rooted in achievements from 2025 and solid foundations laid since 2023.
Pres.Ruto reflected on 2025 as a year of tested resolve, where tough economic reforms began yielding dividends. He praised Kenyans’ unity and sacrifice, noting the nation has shifted from uncertainty to a clear roadmap. Progress highlighted included affordable housing transforming lives, like Mama Jerusha Muthoni’s move to a modern home with utilities, restoring dignity for her family.
Universal healthcare shone brightly, with over 29 million registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). President William Ruto shared moving stories: single mother Naomi Mutendwa Kilunda’s daughter Lydia received fully covered KSh 168,000 surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital, allowing her to resume school; widow and mama mboga Christine Awino Onyango got over KSh 250,000 in cancer treatment, including surgery and upcoming chemotherapy.
Agriculture rebounded dramatically with subsidized fertilizers boosting maize to historic highs, surging tea earnings, doubled coffee prices, and expanded exports in livestock and dairy. Nearly a million jobs emerged via housing, digital economy, and labor mobility, alongside expanded education opportunities.
Yet, President Ruto candidly addressed challenges, including June-July protests that caused regrettable loss of life and property. He upheld constitutional rights to expression but condemned violence stressing rights come with responsibilities. “Kenya is bigger than any individual,” he urged, calling for unity over division.
Looking to 2026, Ruto committed to halving poverty—affecting over 20 million—and unemployment, without excessive debt or taxes. Key enablers: operationalizing the National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund in January to mobilize domestic resources and attract private capital.
In 2025, we made demonstrable progress in health, agriculture, and education, among others, and laid a firm foundation for our nation’s economic take-off. This was the year Kenyans began to earn the dividends of hard work and deliberate investment. We now have a clear roadmap to… pic.twitter.com/tdIayNUhK2
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 31, 2025
Major projects include completing Talanta Sports Complex for 2027 AFCON, Bomas International Convention Centre, 6,000 km of roads, new highways, Naivasha-Malaba SGR extension, Galana-Kulalu Dam for irrigation expansion to 2.5 million acres and a world-class JKIA terminal.
Ruto declared alcohol and drug abuse—impacting 4.7 million—a national emergency, announcing a bolstered 700-officer Anti-Narcotics Unit, asset seizures, specialized courts and strict action against colluding officials. He emphasized parental and leadership accountability.
Ending on inspiration, Pres. Ruto drew parallels to South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia’s deliberate transformations. “Changing a country requires clear vision and deliberate choice,” he said, pledging performance-based leadership.
