President Ruto’s New Year Message 2026: President Unveils Clear Plan to Cut Poverty and Unemployment in President Ruto has outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2026, promising decisive action to reduce poverty and unemployment as Kenya enters what he described as a defining chapter in its history.
In his New Year address, the President said 2026 will mark a turning point for the country, following years of tough economic decisions that began stabilising the economy between 2023 and 2025. According to Ruto, the foundations have now been laid for Kenya to move from recovery to full-scale transformation.
He described 2025 as a difficult but necessary year, one that demanded sacrifice, unity, and resilience from citizens. Those choices, he said, are now delivering results, giving the country a clear direction for the future.
Progress Made in 2025
Ruto highlighted key gains achieved over the past year, noting that millions of Kenyans are already benefiting from government reforms. He revealed that more than 29 million Kenyans are now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), significantly expanding access to healthcare under the universal health coverage programme.
In agriculture, farmers recorded improved yields after receiving affordable fertiliser and certified seeds. Maize harvests are projected to hit historic highs, while tea earnings increased, coffee prices nearly doubled, and sugar production rose as imports declined. Exports in livestock, dairy, leather, and meat sectors also expanded.
The President added that nearly one million Kenyans accessed jobs through housing projects, labour mobility programmes, and the digital economy.
Poverty and Joblessness Remain High
Despite the gains, Ruto admitted that serious challenges persist. He noted that nearly four in every ten Kenyans still live below the poverty line, with millions of families struggling to meet basic needs. Youth unemployment, especially among new entrants into the job market, remains a major concern.
“This is the reality we must change,” he said, stressing that economic growth must be anchored on work, production, exports, skills, and smart financing.
Kenya’s 2026 Targets
The President set out two clear national goals for 2026:
- Reduce poverty by half, lifting millions of Kenyans into dignity and opportunity
- Cut unemployment by half, especially among young people.
He assured citizens that this will be achieved without overburdening taxpayers or pushing the country into unsustainable debt.
Major Economic Reforms in 2026
To support these goals, the government will fully operationalise the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund in January 2026.
According to Ruto, the Infrastructure Fund will mobilise domestic resources, attract private-sector investment, and reduce reliance on borrowing. All proceeds from privatisation will be ring-fenced strictly for public infrastructure.
The Sovereign Wealth Fund will focus on protecting Kenya from external shocks, securing intergenerational equity, and growing national wealth in line with the Constitution.
Big Projects Set for 2026
Ruto announced that several major projects will either be completed or launched in 2026, including:
- Completion of the Talanta Sports Complex ahead of the 2027 AFCON
- Completion of the Bomas International Convention Centre
- Acceleration of 6,000km of road projects across the country
- Construction of new highways
- Launch of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway
- Expansion of irrigation projects, including the Galana-Kulalu Dam
- Construction of a new modern airport at JKIA
Government Declares War on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The President also raised alarm over rising alcohol and drug abuse, terming it a national security and development threat. He revealed that over 4.7 million Kenyans currently use drugs or alcohol, with young people and men most affected.
To address the crisis, the government will strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the DCI, increase staffing, intensify asset seizures, strengthen border surveillance, and prosecute officials found colluding with traffickers.
Accountability Going Forward
Ruto concluded by saying that 2026 will usher in a new era of accountability, where leaders will be judged by results rather than promises.
He urged Kenyans to work together, remain peaceful, and stay focused on building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.
Happy New Year 2026, and may God bless Kenya.
