Ruto: 2024 was a year of challenges, but 2025 will bring progress, prosperity

President William Ruto has acknowledged that 2024 has been a year filled with challenges, but he emphasised that these obstacles have also provided opportunities for growth and transformation.

In his New Year address to the nation at Kisii State Lodge, the President noted that the year had tested the country’s resolve, with security, economic instability, and climate-related issues dominating the national discourse.

“Without hesitation, we all agree that this year has been remarkable. A year to remember for its many challenges, obstacles, and risks that tested our resolve and threatened our prosperity, security, and happiness,” Ruto said.

Despite these hardships, he commended the nation’s resilience and unwavering determination to overcome adversity.

The President highlighted the significant economic challenges faced by Kenya, including the rising cost of living due to global economic shocks, the pressure on the Kenyan shilling, and the lasting impact of the region’s longest drought, which was followed by floods that destroyed crops, livestock, and infrastructure.

He also acknowledged the difficulties families faced, with many struggling to provide daily meals amid these hardships.

Despite these challenges, Ruto affirmed that the government had worked tirelessly to fulfil its commitments.

“We are making steady progress in feeding the nation, with productivity rising across key crop and livestock value chains, progressively enhancing our food security objectives,” he said.

In his address, Ruto also lauded the implementation of universal healthcare coverage, the digitisation of public services, and the expansion of infrastructure, including the construction of thousands of classrooms and the rollout of affordable housing.

“Our affordable housing programme now includes 873,000 houses in its pipeline at various stages of development across different parts of the country,” he said, adding that the first 8,000 units are nearing completion.

The President also addressed the need for moral renewal in the nation, citing rising crime rates, including femicide, as a sign of a breakdown in the country’s moral fabric.

“These are clear signals that our moral fabric is at risk of decay, exacerbated by various factors, including the manipulation of digital technology, particularly social media,” he said.

Looking forward to 2025, Ruto expressed optimism, citing the progress made in 2024 despite the challenges.

He highlighted Kenya’s strengthening currency, improved inflation rates, and growing foreign exchange reserves as signs of economic stability.

“The Kenyan shilling, which began the year on a subdued note, has appreciated significantly, strengthening from Sh165 to the dollar in February 2024 to Sh129 today,” he said.

Ruto also praised the progress in the security sector, acknowledging that while there had been instances of excessive actions by security services, efforts were being made to ensure accountability.

He called for a balanced approach between security and the protection of citizens’ rights, emphasising that public safety should always take precedence over unchecked freedoms.

The President reiterated his commitment to delivering for Kenyans, highlighting the government’s plans for continued growth in 2025.

“In 2025, I will have the honour of handing over the first keys to completed affordable housing units to hardworking men and women from all walks of life,” he said, expressing hope that the country will continue to progress towards achieving “the Kenya We Want.”