Kenyans enter 2026 with cautious hope amid economic struggles

Parent captured at Kakamega main market after buying a school box for his child on December 31,2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] A section of Kenyans has expressed pessimism ahead in the New Year as they claimed tough economic times marked by high cost of living has dampened their spirits. Interviews with a number of Kenyans in different parts of the country established that their expectations revolve around good health, economic relief and responsible leadership, following a year marked by hardship, rising costs of living and national uncertainty. While some claimed they were expecting the economic situation in the country to improve, others claimed the current business environment had left them with little choice but to place their hopes in faith and personal resilience, rather than political promises. For Kisumu resident Indama John, a casual worker, the New Year prayer is simple: health and strength to keep going. He hopes the situation will change but claims the economy is tough. "I urge my people to keep pushing because giving up is not an option." Indama said the rising cost of food, rent and transport had made daily survival increasingly difficult for low-income earners, forcing many to live day to day with no savings or safety net. Echoing similar sentiments, Charles Aloo said 2026 would be about self-motivation and personal sacrifice, especially for parents struggling to educate their children. "I am only planning to motivate myself because the economy is bad. I have children who depend on me, and I have no alternative but to ensure I provide education for them," Aloo said. He cited the rising cost of school fees as a major concern heading into the new academic year, saying many parents were under immense pressure. "Look at SHA. Some of us cannot afford even paying the Sh6,000, but what can we do?" Aloo posed. "I pray that 2026 will be better." Another resident, Mike Okkoli, said his expectation for the New Year was political sobriety, warning leaders against divisive rhetoric as the country edges closer to another election cycle. "I hope leaders will not divide people now that it will be a campaign year," Okkoli said. He noted that the outgoing year had been characterised by what he described as "too much drama," including deaths, political tensions and economic anxiety. "This year has been heavy for the country. There have been deaths and many disturbing events. I hope next year things will be better," he added. Okkoli appealed to those in authority to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially with schools set to reopen. "How I wish those in power could think about us here and reduce the prices of basic items now that we are going to open schools," he said. Malava Member of Parliament David Ndakwa said the coming year would mark a turning point in his leadership, promising accelerated service delivery and unity. "2026 will be my first year to deliver for my people," Ndakwa said. The MP was speaking on Tuesday while distributing foodstuffs and other goodies to more than 500 persons living with disabilities, ahead of the New Year celebrations. Ndakwa said he was committed to working "like never before" to improve the lives of Malava residents, noting that his focus would be on development projects and inclusive governance. "I will work harder than before. I urge residents and leaders to remain united because unity is what will help us achieve development," he said. He called on leaders to avoid political distractions and instead focus on addressing the pressing needs of wananchi, particularly the vulnerable. As the clock ticks toward the New Year, Kenyans like Lucy Mulombi say they are stepping into 2026 with hope, despite lingering uncertainty. Mulombi said her expectation is a year free from fear and economic anxiety, where families can afford basic necessities without constant struggle. Andrew Oluga, a resident of Siaya, said that he was optimistic that the economy will stabilize in the new year. "I hope the government will intensify austerity measures to ensure prudent use of national resources," he said. Maurice Owino, another resident said that he is optimistic that the culture of political hooliganism will be a thing of the past in the new year. At Kibuye market, however, Mary Aluoch, a cereals vendor, told The Standard that she is not optimistic about the new year because there is no flow of money. "Businesses are struggling and we cannot hide that fact," she says. In the coast region residents are embracing the transition into the new year with a mix of celebration, prayer, caution and quiet determination, reflecting both the joy and the economic realities that shaped the outgoing year. Yet beneath the celebratory mood lies anxiety over looming school fees and household expenses in the year ahead. A trader in Mombasa Boniface Mbai said he was ready to welcome customers as festivities peak, having prepared "good things" to mark the holiday. Still Mbai remained hopeful, praying for strength and a productive year despite the financial pressures many families continue to face in the country. In the coastal city, the mood was yesterday visibly festive despite the financial burden facing Kenyans. Residents like Uhuru Karisa Richard were seen purchasing fireworks ahead of new year's eve, eager to celebrate with friends, family and the wider community. Mary Medza, another reveler, described the fireworks as the perfect way to close the year, saying the displays help usher in the new year on a "high note," anchored in faith, family unity and optimism for prosperity. However, amid the celebrations, voices of caution have emerged. Justice Malonza urged residents to exercise restraint as they cross into the new year, warning against excessive alcohol consumption and reckless behaviour that could result in injuries or loss of life. Echoing this sentiment, other speakers encouraged people to opt for water or soft drinks, attend church services and begin the year with spiritual reflection rather than excess. The festivities also highlight the region's economic challenges. Some residents openly acknowledged that the past year has been difficult, particularly due to school fees burden and the rising cost of living. One father recounted managing only a modest meal of Sh100 for his family, yet expressed faith that God would provide in the coming year. Small-scale traders, including a businessman identified as Lincha Nyakuru, described their enterprises as unstable, praying for improved fortunes and open doors in 2026. Fireworks remain a central feature of the Coast's new year celebrations usually fired at the Indian Ocean shoreline. According to a representative from Jays Pyrotechnics, the firm is overseeing about 170 major fireworks displays across the region. Increased public sensitization on safety and cost, the company says, has helped build trust and boost demand for organized displays. In Taita Taveta residents and leaders now want the county and national Governments to prioritise the provision of quality health care services. They also expect the two levels of government to revamp the key sectors of the economy like agriculture, water and mining to help drive the economy ahead and transform the lives of the local community. A cross section of residents and leaders claimed the two levels of governments have not delivered to their expectations last year citing persistent drug shortages in public health facilities, skyrocketing of food prices among other basic commodities. "This year has not been good to us as our elected leaders have failed to deliver to our expectations. We want to see our MCAs up their game in legislative and oversight roles," noted Boniface Mwapagha, a teacher in the region. "Development projects have stalled yet money was allocated for them. The MCXAs have failed in their legislative and oversight roles. We would to see the legislator up their game in this year," he added. Gft Mwakandana, a resident called for the revival of all stalled development projects for the benefit of the local community. "In Wundanyi Ward, development projects like Wundanyi Modern Bus Park have stalled for lack of funds yet money was allocated for them. We want the county administration to revive them for the benefit of the local community," he said Multiple interviews revealed that residents especially parents said there was nothing to celebrate at this time when the country has experiencing economic hardships. They said there has been skyrocketing of fuel and food prices which made their lives difficult last year. "We are so much stressed and we do not know who to turn to. Schools are reopening and there is no bursaries pay for school fees for our children. Part from acute drug shortages in health facilities, the county and national governments should ensure that bursaries are availed on time m," noted Grace Wangio, a vegetable vendor in Wundanyi town. Isaiah Gwengi, Patrick Beja, Renson Mnyamwezi, Mary Imenza

Kenyans enter 2026 with cautious hope amid economic struggles

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