Kenyans have huge expectations as they usher in the new year

Businesswoman Jane Omusinzi. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] Majority of Kenyans are looking forward to a new year they hope will bring good tidings amidst hard economic times and political uncertainty. They believe issues such as the high cost of living, the weakening shilling against the dollar, corruption and political squabbling among others will be a thing of the past as they look forward to economic growth and a cohesive country. A section of those interviewed said 2023 posed a great challenge to their personal growth and they could wish to have a promising 2024. From church leaders, politicians, business people, transporters, and ordinary Kenyans, all they are hoping for is a government that will be responsive to the needs of the people. Jane Omusinzi, a businesswoman based in Kakamega town, said she expects the government to lower the cost of living by reducing VAT levied on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent, reduce prices of farm inputs, and enhance security countrywide to create a conducive environment for business to thrive. "We expect our leaders to implement policies that will have a positive impact on the lives of the people," she said. Joel Okwako, a nominated MCA at the Kakamega County Assembly, said that he is only looking forward to a fruitful 2024, adding that it's time for everyone to play his part in developing the nation. "Let's get out of our comfort zones and work. We want to see our youth getting jobs and devolution working as earlier envisaged. I have several bills that I will be tabling at the county assembly and if adopted, they will go a long way in ensuring that the current leadership delivers to the people of Kakamega," said Okwako. Luanda MP Dick Maungu said the opposition will employ new tactics to put the government in check against unfair taxation this new year. The lawmaker said he is optimistic that the Kenya Kwanza government will not come up with unfair taxation. "We hope in 2024, the government will not impose unfair and punitive taxes on Kenyans. If such unfair taxation and levies will be presented by the executive to the floor of the National Assembly, we will oppose them so that we cushion Kenyans from harsh economic times," said Maungu. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli assured workers that the union will not abandon them in 2024. Atwoli said that Cotu was working with economists to write a paper that they will share with the government on how to make the economy better and in turn, lower the cost of living. "Every government has its way of working and as a labour movement, we have told our people and Kenyans to give President William Ruto time to revive the economy and we know in 2024, Kenyans will not suffer anymore," said Atwoli. He urged the opposition to come up with alternative measures and strategies that would help the government revive the economy rather than resorting to demonstrations. David Kibwoni, a resident of Chavakali in Vihiga County, said that his wish is that the government will be proactive in ensuring that the cost of living is brought down. The father of three is, however, hopeful that good tidings will follow with the new year. "I have hopes that even with the current high cost of living, we can pull through as Kenyans and make the year 2024 great on our own," said Kibwoni. Pastor Agrrey Luvisia of PAG Kenya-Ingavi called on Kenyans to be prayerful as they seek to resolve the huge burden of life. "We all know it is hard but we should all seek God's guidance and love to make it in 2024," said Aluvisia. In Nyanza, Ben Gisore, the Secretary-General for Kenya National Congress (KNC), said he hopes the government will review the tax policy on petroleum products. "The government cannot tax her citizens as a means of meeting government fiscal obligations. Taxes reduce purchasing power hence shrinking the economy thus worsening the government's fiscal muscle. Instead, the government should ensure marginal propensity by fiscal responsibility." Rosariah Mbaka, who works in the hospitality industry, said the sector was the worst hit in 2023. Esther Nyang'ara, a peasant farmer in Masaba North, Nyamira County, wants the government to check on the prices of basic commodities like soap, sugar and cooking oil which she says are currently beyond the reach of low-income earners. "2023 was a year of much suffering due to the increased cost of living. My prayer is that 2024 will be different and the government must do everything within its means to bring down the costs of essential goods by up to 50 per cent," she said. On his part, Adams Mochenwa, a resident of North Mugirango, wants the government to cushion local farmers from exploitation by middlemen who compromise the prices of agricultural produce which they resell at very high-profit margins. He also expects to see the funds allocated to counties for sports development properly utilized to support youth talent. Hellen Motaroki, a footballer and captain of Vicious Queens FC in Nyamira, says the development of female soccer should be taken seriously this year. "Much concentration in soccer talent development has been on male youths at the expense of girls. This year should have a shaped focus to also include ladies in the initiatives of sports talent." Auscar Wambiya, a resident of Siaya town, said he expects an adventurous 2024 filled with great ideas that are well executed for the good of all Kenyans. "I believe that the consultancy firm I set up in 2023 will reach new markets, provide better solutions and overcome the 2023 harsh business environment to post positive results in 2024," he said. He is also optimistic that the many take-off plans that the National Government instituted in 2023 will begin to bear fruits this year. "I trust that the Kenya Kwanza Government will cut down on Government excesses, respect court decisions, and focus on alternative resource mobilization techniques other than increasing taxation and foreign debts and that Azimio will keep the Government in check," said Wambiya. Chris Owalla, a human rights activist from Kisumu says he expects Kenyans to fight corruption, put more efforts into asset recovery by authorities and reduce poverty levels. Denis Ogachi, a youth leader in Kisii, said the government must now move to policy implementation. "We have had the President spell out policies to rescue our country from the political turmoil, my wish is that we now have implementation." In South Rift, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said "The new year brings with it a renewed sense of hope, opportunity, and optimism." "Together, we have achieved milestones in various sectors, and I am proud to witness the resilience and determination that define the spirit of Kericho," said Governor Mutai in a social media post. Former Kasipul Kabondo MP Sylvance Osele noted that just as any other year after the general elections, the year 2023 was tough for Kenyans and posed myriad challenges to many families. "However, we are optimistic that 2024 is coming with better tidings. We are a resilient nation and Kenyans have always surmounted difficult situations coming out stronger more so when we are united. The task ahead for leaders is to unite the nation to one accord towards economic liberation for all, which is very possible since we are endowed with enough human and capital resources to achieve this," he added. Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama highlighted the 'tough year' gone by both economically and with the high cost of living but pledged a future of hope and change. "I know it has been a tough year for most Kenyans but I want to assure them that President Ruto is working to restore the country's economy and make life better for all," he said in his New Year message to his constituents. In a social media post, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja promised Nakuru residents that she would continue advocating for better service delivery and meaningful implementation of projects in the county. She said the projects must be achieved with everyone's input including county workers. She applauded the decision by the county government to extend contracts for technical staff, clerical officers, and ambulance drivers for five months but urged it to ease the burden of health workers and patients in the county. "I strongly believe that with proper support, availability of medical equipment and having motivated health workers in our hospitals will make the hospitals self-sustainable," said Karanja. Njoro MP Charity Kathambi called for hope in the face of difficulty and uncertainty. On his part, Nakuru County Assembly Majority Leader Alex Langat called for peace, especially in Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions. Langat said despite challenges there was a need for dialogue to ensure there was no violence, protests and chaos for the economy to improve. "We need to be calm and hopeful. Dialogue should prevail to ensure the problems we face are resolved peacefully," said Langat. The Chair of Rift Valley Law Society of Kenya Aston Muchela said 2024 should be a year where Kenyans should endeavour to conquer new grounds and new territories. He said the past year has been riddled with the reality of a struggling economy but the turn of the year should be seen as an opportunity to improve the situation. Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi expressed gratitude to the security agencies for restoring sanity within the North Rift region which has been faced with banditry for decades. Cheboi observed that 2023 was favourable with rains as farmers in the area worked tirelessly in managing and feeding their families realising extra income from the food surplus that they sold. "It is my prayer that 2024 will herald new beginnings, a year that everyone in this county and country will come out in one accord, take advantage of the God-given opportunities and work," the governor added. Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma said; "May the coming year be filled with joy, prosperity, and lasting peace. Let us aspire for unity and progress in our beloved Kenya, anticipating a brighter future together. Cheers to the possibilities that lie ahead! God bless you." Cooperatives and SMMES Development Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said 'The old has gone, behold, the new has come, may the New Year bring joy and fulfilment to you and your families," In Central, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (Meru chapter) Chairman Joshua Mungania said their expectations are high that a conducive environment will be created for commerce to thrive, both at county and national levels. "As Chamber of Commerce, we expect to have dialogue among Meru leaders. It will encourage investment in Meru. We also expect lower taxes to encourage private investors and less political noise. The chamber is ready to broker peace among political leaders in Meru," Mr Mungania said. Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza said that she has set her development agenda for 2024, and among her to-do list is to increase own-source revenue collection to spur development after the devolved unit adopted a complete cashless system. [Reports by Nathan Ochunge, Brian Kisanji, Benard Lusgi, Phares Mutembei, Boniface Gikandi, Nikko Tanui, Daniel Chege, Yvonne Chepkwony and Juliet Omelo.]

Kenyans have huge expectations as they usher in the new year

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