/FILEAs 2025 closes, Kenyans are stepping into the new year with a mixture of hope, apprehension and weary resilience. Many Kenyans say their incomes have shrunk as new policy measures — including the Finance Bill 2025 adjustments, the mandatory housing levy and the roll-out of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) — have reduced take-home pay. As Kenyans debate the state of the economy, the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) presented a cautiously hopeful outlook for 2026. Others hope 2026 will bring relief through better rains, improved agricultural output, clearer fiscal policies and sustained currency stability. But for now, as the clock ticks toward 2026, Kenyans remain steadfast.

Source: The Star January 01, 2026 23:48 UTC