As Kenya ushers in 2025, citizens across the country are united in their hopes for economic recovery, job creation, and improved governance. The year 2024 brought its fair share of struggles, from high taxes to unemployment, but 2025 presents an opportunity for transformative growth and change.

Economic Stability and Job Creation
Businessman Josiah Ogada from Kakamega town voiced his expectations for the government to prioritize industrialization and provide favorable tax policies to spur business growth. “We need the government to create more job opportunities for the youth and give farmers incentives to ensure the agriculture sector thrives,” he stated.

Others like Leonard Limakoru expressed concerns over the government’s revenue collection methods, urging leaders to fulfill their campaign promises. Small-scale traders like Esther Mwangi also emphasized the need for policies that stabilize the economy and reduce the tax burden on ordinary Kenyans.

Healthcare Reforms
Healthcare is another pressing concern for many. Alice Omuse urged the government to streamline the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, ensuring accessibility and sealing corruption loopholes. Similarly, John Ochieng from Busia County called for more clinics, medical personnel, and awareness campaigns to prevent life-threatening diseases.

Security and Good Governance
For residents in the North Rift, strides made in addressing banditry and insecurity were acknowledged by peace ambassador Abel Lokwete. However, he stressed the need for systemic reforms to eliminate triggers of unrest, particularly in election-related violence.

Transparency in governance also remains a priority. Faith Omondi, a trader, criticized the lack of visible development despite large budget allocations. “We need leaders to focus on service delivery, not politics,” she said.

Infrastructure and Education
Improved infrastructure at key locations like the Busia border is crucial for boosting trade, as highlighted by businesswoman Mary Akinyi. On the education front, Paul Otieno from Busia County stressed the need for more resources and vocational training centers to equip students with practical skills.

Hopes for a Fresh Start
Across the country, optimism for 2025 is palpable. From budding seafarer Sharon Mwangi to tourism executive Dr. Sam Ikwaye, many see the new year as an opportunity to shape a better future. As Sharon Mwangi put it, “2025 should be a fresh start, presenting a new chapter in our lives waiting to be written.”

The collective voices of Kenyans highlight the urgent need for a government that listens to its people, invests in sustainable solutions, and implements policies that foster economic growth, security, and good governance.