President William Ruto delivered a wide‑ranging New Year’s message to Kenyans on Wednesday night, framing 2026 as a turning point for the nation and outlining bold national priorities aimed at economic transformation, social reform, and accountability.
In about an hour‑long address, the President reflected on the challenges of the past year and urged unity and collective action as the country moves forward.
“I have never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026,” Ruto said, describing the optimism as rooted in progress already made.
“For the first time in a long while, Kenya is not guessing. We are not drifting. We are not gambling. We have set our targets. We have begun the journey.”
He said the year ahead would be defined by execution at scale, with a new focus on completing key infrastructure projects and driving inclusive growth.
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Ruto highlighted plans to finish the Talanta Sports Complex, expand road networks, and begin the Naivasha‑Narok‑Bomet‑Nyamira‑Kisumu‑Malaba standard gauge railway corridor.
“Through this framework, 2026 becomes the year of execution at scale,” he said.
A major theme of the speech was economic reform.
“We are committing ourselves to a measurable national mission… without crushing taxpayers and without saddling our children with unsustainable debt,” he said.
On social issues, Ruto made a strong pledge to confront drug and alcohol abuse, calling it a “silent but deadly crisis confronting our nation” and vowing enhanced enforcement and prevention efforts.
He also stressed accountability in leadership, saying that performance, not promises, would be the measure of service.
“Leadership will be judged not by promises made, but by performance delivered,” Ruto told the nation.
The President was speaking at Eldoret State Lodge, joined by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and close family members.
The event included the Pamoja Concert, featuring local performers and community leaders, as residents from Uasin Gishu County gathered to welcome 2026.