President William Ruto has outlined a slate of major infrastructure and development projects scheduled for completion or rollout in 2026, describing the year as a period of “execution at scale” for his administration. In his New Year address, Ruto said the government will complete the Talanta Sports Complex, positioning it to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The President said the government will accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads already contracted and under construction across the country. Among the key projects is the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which he said is on track for completion and opening by mid-2027. In a major rail infrastructure push, the President said the government will commence construction of the Naivasha–Narok–Bomet–Nyamira–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

Karangu Muraya and his wife Carol Kim celebrated navigating challenges they faced in 2025. Photo: Carol Kim. Carol Kim (L) and Triza Njeri (R) were embroiled in a social media storm after their polygamous marriage to Karangu Muraya collapsed. Photo: Carol Kim, Triza Mamake Muraya. Source: FacebookAre Karangu Muraya and Carol Kim in love?

President William Ruto used his New Year’s Eve address in Eldoret to call 2025 Kenya’s economic turning point and urged Kenyans to make 2026 a defining year through unity and hard work. President William Ruto has described 2025 as a turning point for Kenya, a year in which the country began reaping the rewards of economic reforms launched in 2023. As President, I am proud to say that together we rose to the occasion,” Ruto said. While the focus remains on economic progress, the President stressed that the story of 2025 is not just about numbers and statistics. Ruto described 2025 as a year of deliberate choices, in which Kenyans confronted difficulties, carved out opportunities, and built a solid foundation for the country’s future.

The broadband subscriber base in India hit the 1 billion (100 crore) mark in November 2025. This milestone reflects a major expansion in digital connectivity over the last decade. According to a press release from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of broadband users increased more than sixfold over ten years. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) also noted that it ended 2025 on a high note, achieving landmark milestones in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and telecom self-reliance. Median mobile broadband speeds also saw a sharp jump, touching over 130 Mbps by October 2025.

President William Ruto has unveiled an expansive national strategy to confront alcohol and drug abuse, describing the crisis as a major threat to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future and pledging decisive government action beginning in 2026. “Alcohol and drug abuse have become a clear and present danger to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future,” Ruto said, adding that the problem could no longer be treated as a marginal social issue. Ruto said alcohol remained the most widely used substance, with more than 3.2 million current users nationwide. To address the crisis, the President said the government would treat alcohol and drug abuse as a national development and security emergency. “We will establish a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with operational capacity comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto has said 2025 was a defining year for Kenya, one that tested the country’s resolve but ultimately demonstrated its capacity for unity, sacrifice, and recovery. He noted that the decisions taken since 2023, though often difficult, were deliberate and aimed at stabilising and transforming the economy. According to the President, 2025 was projected as the year Kenyans would begin to see the dividends of reforms and shared sacrifice. Ruto said the government would remain focused on consolidating the gains made, sustaining economic recovery, and advancing policies aimed at inclusive growth. He reiterated that unity and shared purpose would remain central to achieving the country’s long-term development goals as Kenya builds on the foundations laid during the past year.

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The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Distinguished guests, fellow citizens,I have never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026. Today, more than 29 million Kenyans are registered under the Social Health Authority. They reflect the experiences millions of other Kenyans who have benefited from outcomes of deliberate policy choices. And we helped nearly a million Kenyans access jobs through housing, labour mobility, and the digital economy, with many more opportunities coming in 2026 and beyond. To cut the number of Kenyans living below the poverty line by half, lifting millions into dignity and opportunity.

Editor's Review I have never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026 - President Ruto. President William Ruto on Wednesday, December 31, delivered his New Year's address from Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County. Today, more than 29 million Kenyans are registered under the Social Health Authority. And we helped nearly a million Kenyans access jobs through housing, labour mobility, and the digital economy, with many more opportunities coming in 2026 and beyond. Fellow citizens, this struggle is deeply personal to me, as your President, and as a parent.

Editor's Review Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday, December 31 morning, flew to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday, December 31 morning, flew to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, EGH, SC, CS, this morning travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. File image of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The Future Africa Leaders Awards celebrate young Africans who have made exceptional contributions across various sectors, recognising innovation, excellence and positive transformation on the continent.

The Government of India has extended import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke for an additional six months, spanning from January 1 to June 30, 2026. Scope of Import RestrictionsThe restrictions specifically target metallurgical coke with particular ash content specifications. The policy creates a clear distinction between different types of metallurgical coke based on their ash content levels. Parameter Details Restricted Products Low-ash metallurgical coke (ash content below 18%) Included Variants Coke fines, coke breeze, ultra-low phosphorous metallurgical coke Restriction Period January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 Import Status Permitted only in accordance with regulationsExemptions from RestrictionsThe notification clarifies that certain categories of metallurgical coke remain outside the scope of these import limitations. High-ash content metallurgical coke, specifically those with ash content above 18%, continues to be freely importable without regulatory constraints.

ODM party leader Senator Oburu Oginga has called on Kenyans to embrace unity, dialogue and renewed hope as the country enters the New Year 2026, saying national progress depends on collective effort and shared purpose. Oburu said 2025 had tested the resilience of the nation but noted that Kenyans had consistently demonstrated strength through hard work and solidarity. Yet, time and again, Kenyans proved that our strength lies in our unity, our hard work, and our unbreakable hope for a better tomorrow. He expressed hope that 2026 would bring peace to households, opportunity to the youth, dignity to workers and renewed optimism across the country. Oburu wished Kenyans a happy and prosperous New Year 2026 and called for continued commitment to building a united and inclusive nation.

If we fail to act, we fail our children; if we rise to this duty, we secure not only their future, but the moral strength and destiny of our nation. And just as we demand responsibility in our homes, we must demand the same, at an even higher standard, from those entrusted with leadership in our public life.

President William Ruto has said 2026 will mark a defining turning point in Kenya’s national journey, arguing that the country has moved beyond uncertainty and is now firmly on a deliberate path toward long-term prosperity. We have set our targets, we have begun the journey, and we now have a clear road map to make 2026 a defining year in Kenya’s history,” Ruto said. Ruto said 2026 would stand out in the country’s history as a moment when Kenya decisively shifted from unrealised potential to measurable progress. “2026 will be a watershed year in the story of our republic, a turning point in our march from promise to prosperity, a year that future generations will look back on and say that is when Kenya changed course,” the President said. We confronted difficulties, carved out opportunities and laid a strong and formidable base for the future of our country,” he said.