Kenyans hope New Year holds the promise of economic rebound and jobs

Traders selling verity of goods have turned Eldoret town Central Business District (CBD) streets into a hawking zone in Uasin Gishu County yesterday. The hawkers majority women say that the last day before ushering in the new year is a blessing following the absence of county reinforcement officers. December 31, 2014. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] SHIF Kenyans are hoping for economic turnaround, jobs, good governance, and better access to healthcare as they usher in the New Year. Those who spoke to The Standard reflected on the year gone by, sharing their aspirations for a prosperous 2025. Josiah Ogada, a businessman based in Kakamega town, wants President William Ruto to stabilise the economy by creating more job opportunities through industrialisation and favourable taxes for the growth of businesses. "We all know 2024 has been a year characterised by many unfortunate events, but I have hopes for 2025. I expect the government to revive the economy, and create job opportunities through industrialisation so that our youth can get jobs. The government should also ensure the agriculture sector flourishing by giving farmers incentives," said Ogada. He also urged the President to end the surge in abduction cases that have greatly targeted the youth. "The government must respect the Constitution, which allows freedom of expression. We want a country where people can criticise the government without being abducted or subject to forceful arrests," said Ogada. Alice Omuse wants the government to streamline and ensure the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme works well for Kenyans and seals all corruption loopholes. "I am calling on President Ruto to ensure the SHA works for all in terms of easy access to affordable medical services, and to seal all corruption loopholes in the scheme. We want to see corrupt individuals prosecuted. We want more action and less talk in the New Year," said Omuse. For Abel Lokwete of West Pokot County, security remains a priority. As a youth advocate and peace ambassador, he highlighted the strides made in addressing banditry and insecurity in the previously volatile North Rift. "We have seen relative peace along the Kerio Belt and Turkwel areas. While there are still challenges, the groundwork laid to curb insecurity is commendable," Lokwete said. However, he added that there is a need for more action on systemic issues to prevent unrest in the country. "The youth protests, though disruptive, raised critical issues that need to be addressed. As a country, we need a fully constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to eliminate the triggers of pre-election and post-election violence," he added. Peter Mutinda, president of the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about what 2025 holds. "I see 2025 as a year of transformative growth, innovation, and impactful collaboration," he said. Mutinda added: "I look forward to a year where business goals align with social responsibility, fostering growth and positive change. Let's make 2025 a year that truly counts." The economy has been a pressing concern for most Kenyans, with high taxes and unemployment dominating discussions. Leonard Limakoru expressed frustration with the government's revenue collection methods. "The government should focus on delivering the promises they made during the campaigns," he said. Good governance and accountability are critical areas that Kenyans hope will improve in 2025. Faith Omondi, a small-scale trader in Nairobi, called for transparency in public spending. "We hear about billions being allocated to development, but on the ground, there is little to show for it. We need leaders to focus on service delivery, not politics," said Omondi. Similarly, Alice Mwende, a teacher, urged leaders to focus on unity rather than divisive politics. "2024 has been marred by protests and abductions. We need leaders who prioritise the people's welfare over political interests," she said. Esther Mwangi, a farmer, decried the tough economic times of 2024, hoping for a better year. "The price of food, fuel, and basic goods was too high last year. We look forward to policies that stabilise the economy and reduce the tax burden on ordinary Kenyans," she said. For Janet Mwende, a salonist in Nairobi, 2024 was a tough year, but she expects a better 2025. "Due to tough economic times, there were no clients. At times, we could go for three to five days a week without clients. Some had resorted to cutting their hair short due to a lack of money, which denied us business," said Mwende, who is paid on commission basis. Mwende said clients had to make tough choices between doing their hair and catering for basic needs, which affected the beauty industry. Lucy Njeri, a tomatoes dealer at Muthurwa market, said last year was tough due to the high cost of fuel and increased rains from October to December, which affected her business. "We rely on fuel to transport our produce from farms to Nairobi. The high cost of fuel in the last seven to nine months of last year affected our business, forcing us to buy tomatoes at an increased price. Buyers who purchase from us to sell to estates kept away, leaving us with losses as some tomatoes went bad," she said. In Busia County, John Ochieng, a farmer in Nambale Sub County, expressed frustration over the harsh environment for business. "The government needs to help us access markets for our produce. Our lives depend on farming, but without fair prices and support, we can't thrive," said Ochieng. James Ouma, a resident of Teso South, emphasised the importance of good leadership that listens to the people of Kenya. "As we welcome the new year, we want a government that listens to the people, a regime that does not force and impose things on Kenyans without their input, and one that doesn't mismanage resources. 2025 should be a year of real change in how the country is governed," he said. Ouma called on both the national government and county governments to address challenges in the healthcare system while calling for more accessible and improved services. "We need more awareness campaigns to prevent diseases that are claiming lives. We need more clinics and medical personnel," said Ouma. Mary Akinyi, a business person, is also calling for better infrastructure, especially at the Busia border, which plays a crucial role in cross-border trade. "If the border infrastructure improves, it will boost businesses and create more job opportunities for the youth," said Akinyi. On education matters, Paul Otieno, a teacher in Busia County, urged the government to address the Grade Nine crisis in the education sector to ensure that, as schools open, they are set and ready for the transition. "The classrooms are overcrowded, and many students don't have the resources they need. Especially for Grade 9 transition, many schools do not have enough classes and teachers. This is what the government should focus on. The government must prioritise education in the New Year. We need more vocational training centres to enable our children to gain practical skills and become employable," said Otieno. In Mombasa, residents expressed hope that the New Year could present new opportunities that shape the future of the nation. Tobiko Nkuraiya said that after a year full of challenges and achievements, 2025 could be full of limitless possibilities. He quoted a verse from the book of Psalms 34:10: "Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing." Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch Executive Officer, Dr Sam Ikwaye, said that 2024 was a tough year with local and global challenges. "This year, there is optimism that things will improve," Ikwaye, who is also chairman of the Mombasa Tourism Council, said. Budding seafarer Sharon Mwangi hopes for a better year. "2025 should be a fresh start for us, and the sunrise presents a new chapter in our lives waiting to be written," she said. Mwangi added that it is her hope that things will open up for Kenya, especially for the many jobless youths. "The government should put more effort into sectors like the blue economy that present varied opportunities. Once fully harnessed, these can create jobs," she said. In Bungoma County, John Wasike, a businessman, urged the government not to overtax Kenyans with multiple levies, calling on MPs to ensure 2025 is a year of people's policies. "As business people, we are paying many levies imposed by the government, and this has reduced people's purchasing power, leading to a bad economy. We are urging our lawmakers and the government to come up with good policies that will have a positive impact on the lives of the people," said Wasike. In Vihiga County, Benard Mukhutsi wants the government to address the university funding model that risks excluding many needy but bright students from getting quality and affordable education. In Migori County, Wilfred Nyakayoki, a boda-boda rider, opined that he hopes the government will reduce taxes. "It is my prayer that we will have taxes that are not a burden to poor Kenyans," Nyakayoki said. Erick Aola, a businessman in Kisumu's Kibuye market, shared the same sentiments, saying high taxation was a stumbling block for those trying to engage in business. David Obuon, Kisumu Kenya National Union of Teachers Executive Secretary, said he hopes to see a smooth transition for learners joining Grade 9. "We expect quality teaching and learning, free from disruption, so that we can have a smooth transition," said Obuon. Homa Bay County National Council of Churches of Kenya Chairman Ken Ouma said he expects good governance in which the government considers the will of citizens. "We expect to have good governance in which the government implements policies in line with the will of citizens. [Reports by James Wanzala, Emmanuel Kipchumba, Benard Lusigi, Mary Imenza, Jackline Inyanji and Philip Mwakio] Citizens' views should be sought in governance and implemented without alterations," Ouma said. Reports by James Wanzala, Emmanuel Kipchumba, Benard Lusigi, Mary Imenza, Jackline Inyanji and Philip Mwakio

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