Fireworks, shouts of joy, whistles and honking of vehicles and motorbikes rent the air at exactly midnight as millions of Kenyans bade farewell to 2024 and ushered in 2025.
In Nairobi, City Hall Way at the city centre was the hub for jubilation with two concerts taking place.
Right behind Kencom building, the cross-over concert brought together thousands of Kenyans who danced to rhythms and sang their hearts out.
Less than 300 metres down City Hall way, another multitude thronged another concert at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Gospel artist Shani performs at a concert dubbed Street Praise Pop Up at Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi on December 31, 2024 to usher in the New Year.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Kenyans who spoke to the Nation expressed optimism for the new year even as they braced to persevere through challenges.
“The year 2024 was tough and we are grateful for the new year. We lost young people and we pray that it is not going to be the same,” Mr Muriithi said.
For Agnes Wafula, the new year will be a chance for Kenyans to start afresh, citing the numerous cases of abductions and enforced disappearances recorded over the last one year in the country.
"I am really praying that 2025 will be a restorative year, where we will recover all the things that we lost in 2024. I hope there will be no more cases of police brutality and use of state machinery to clamp down on us whenever we air out our issues," she said.
They were referring to abductions, enforced disappearances, torture and killing of government critics blamed in rogue squads in the Kenya Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
As of now, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights records show that 82 abduction cases have been recorded since June, with 29 people still missing. Seven of these cases were reported in the last two weeks alone.
In June this year, anti-government protests, majorly coordinated by the youth, erupted in response to proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024, resulting in the death of at least 61 people as reported by a consortium of several human rights organisations, including Amnesty International.
Thus far, no single police officer involved in the cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions or use of excessive force during the protests has been charged, a fact that has angered many Kenyans who have been demanding for action.
Dancers perform at a concert dubbed Street Praise Pop Up at Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi on December 31, 2024 to usher in the New Year.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
At the Nairobi Expressway, tens of motorists stopped their vehicles to have a glimpse of the fireworks display at several buildings in the city centre as well as the neighborhoods of Upperhill, and Kilimani.
The numbers were even higher at the Raila Odinga Road where at least 50 vehicles were parked as the drivers and their passengers took photos of the scenic fireworks at the Old Mutual Building.
The fireworks lit the sky for about 15 minutes as Kenyans cheered, shouting with joy and declaring blessings and good tidings for the new year.
Hugs, claps, fist bumps and prolonged greetings were the order of the hour.
Along Naivasha Road, local pubs and joints remained open past midnight, all full to the brim. Nearby Kawangware was awash with activities with two separate open grounds near Precious Blood Riruta Secondary School, Riruta hosting night vigils.
Whereas some preferred spending their time outdoors, another lot opted to go to church where in tuneful hymns and songs of worship, expressed their gratitude to God for keeping them safe throughout the year.
Hundreds attended mass at the Holy Family Basilica Catholic Church some few minutes to 7pm with the service ending slightly past 9pm.
Worshippers usher in the New Year with prayers at Zoe Worship Centre in Kinoo, Nairobi, on December 31, 2024.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
This was the case at All Saints Cathedral where at 9.30pm, the congregation wrote down their prayer requests for the year 2025 as they sang soulfully.
"He knows my name. He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call. He knows my every thought. He'll hear you when you call," the praise and worship team led the congregation.
At Zoe Worship Centre at Kinoo, the energy was equally high. Hundreds of faithful turned up to sing, dance and exhort God.
Their leader, the Reverend David Nduine, spoke of how 2024 was a very challenging year marred by numerous cases of abductions, corruption, femicide and clashes between the church and the State.
"The year has been a bit difficult. In June and July, the Gen Zs had a protest against the Finance Bill, 2024. There was outrage against the Adani- JKIA deal, the impeachment of the Deputy President, feminine and currently, the abductions that are frustrating people,” he said.
"Our government ought to create a conducive environment for this country, for the common citizens so that they can do what they want to do. The government leaders need to abide by the rule of law, if they violate the law, what will the citizens do?.”
To rectify the situation, Rev Nduine said political leaders must listen to their electorate and in doing so, understand the issues that are affecting them thus serving them rightfully.
Along Waiyaki Way at Kinoo, young children chased each other with glee shouting "happy new year" lighting up their paths with burning steel wools which they waved in the air.
At the Coast, residents and visitors to the tourism hub welcomed the New Year with pomp and color at various locations.
Revelers in the area were treated to performances by various artists, including Tanzania's Zuhura Outhman Soud, popularly known as Zuchu, who headlined the New Year’s Eve party at Sarova White sands.
The artiste, who was reportedly unhappy with the vehicle sent to pick her up from the airport, put her frustrations aside to deliver an electrifying performance for Kenyans.
Her set included hits like her debut song "Wana," followed by crowd favorites such as "Sukari" and "Kwi Kwi," leaving the audience thrilled.
The event also featured Kenyan boy band Hart the Band, MC Jessy, and Mwalimu Rachael, who kept the crowd engaged all the way to the night.
"You seem to have already received my set of songs in advance. You are singing word for word. Let enjoy as we welcome the New Year,” she said, amid cheers from the audience, who moved closer to the stage to gift her as she performed.
The event culminated with lots of fireworks preceded by an energy filled dance set that left Kenyans screaming their lungs out and calling blessings on the New Year.
“We are delighted to have hosted this New Year’s Eve party, which also marks our 50th anniversary. The past year has had its ups and downs, but we look forward to the opportunities the New Year 2025 brings. We urge the government to improve logistics for our guests' travel to our hotels,” said the General Manager Sarova Whitesands Francis Msengeti.
Former Governor of Murang'a County Mwangi Wa Iria and former Cabinet Secretary for Gender Aisha Jumwa were in attendance, joining Kenyans in welcoming the New Year at the venue.
Next door, comedian and host Dr Ofweneke led the crossover party at Travellers Beach Hotel, bringing together Kenyans and tourists from around the world to enjoy various performances before a stunning fireworks display.
While revelers were enjoying the New Year, the sons of the late philanthropist Hasmukh Patel gathered at Kibarani Park, where they distributed meals to the less fortunate and helmets, and reflector jackets to the less fortunate.
The brothers also announced that, in the spirit of the New Year, they would be resuming feeding activities in honor of their father's legacy.
They explained that the programme, which had once fed many Mombasa residents, was paused due to the Gen-Z anti-government protests. The program had been linked to the infiltration of goons and unruly youths.
"Happy New Year to all Kenyans. We're here to celebrate with Mombasa residents, enjoy the fireworks, and share a bite. There have been rumors that since Mzee's passing, we've abandoned this area, but that's not true. We are here, we've repaired the area, and we're ready to bring back our feeding program in honor of Mzee," said Ahmed Musa, a manager at the park, speaking on behalf of the brothers.
In Kilifi County, Tanzanian artist Rajab Abdul Kahali, also known as Harmonize or Konde Boy, entertained revelers at Water grounds, with an electrifying performance of his hits. The event which was funded by former gubernatorial aspirant George Kithi, had huge crowds of youth ready to usher in the New Year in style.
At Mama Ngina Water Front, Governor Abdulswammad Nassir held his ushering in New Year party where various artists from the region rocked the stage to usher in the year with massive fire works for the residents.
“We have come together to celebrate the New Year with very colorful celebrations here. We ask that the Year opens opportunities for the people of Mombasa and Kenya to unite and work together. Happy New Year,” said the Governor.
In Bamburi area there was a sea of humanity as many people both young and old preferred to walk to the beach to celebrate New Year.
There was huge traffic snarl up which lasted for hours from Bamburi Mwisho stage towards the Mombasa-Malindi highway where the beach is located despite the presence of traffic police officers till wee hours of the morning.
In Western Kenya, residents thronged places of worship and social joints to usher in the new year.
As President Ruto delivered his New Year speech at the Kisii State Lodge, opposition leader Raila Odinga led leaders and locals in the celebrations at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, where Piny Luo Festival 2024 is being held.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Odinga exhibited hope that the new year will see a difference in the calls for justice, a stop to abductions and respect to freedom of rights.
“We remember the brutalities and those who were felled for fighting for their rights. All the bad things that happened in 2024 should be buried today and forever. We need peace in our country in the year 2025,” said Mr Odinga.
Fireworks display at Kisii State Lodge when President William Ruto led the country in ushering the New Year on December 31, 2024.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
In Kisii, a section of residents and leaders crossed into the new year at the Kisii State Lodge.
The group was being hosted by President Ruto and his wife Rachel for the State New Year - Eve Dinner.
The invitees ate, sang and danced as they ushered in the new year with pomp and color.
The President thrilled the crowd when he danced to Kasongo wa Kanema's song which has been a source of ridicule for him on social media.
In Kakamega County, majority of the residents crossed over the year in churches but soccer enthusiasts were at the Mumias Sports Complex for the Governor's Cup that extends into the night played under floodlights.
Governor Fernandes Barasa, who addressed the soccer fans, urged them to embrace 2025 with hope and unity.
"As we enter into 2025, let us reflect on 2024, and use that experience to strengthen our resilience. Let us unite to build a future we can all be proud of," said Mr Barasa.
With new opportunities ahead, Mr Barasa encouraged residents to embrace change and take steps toward positive transformation, carrying forward gratitude, unity and courage.
In Nakuru’s, jubilant crowds gathered in churches, streets, hotels and public open spaces to welcome in the new year as residents witnessed one of the biggest fireworks explode.
At the Christ the King Cathedral in Nakuru City, fireworks exploded moments after Father Joseph Muchiri completed delivering his homily where he urged Christians to be thankful
“We suffer due to human greed and the majority of the 8 billion people on this Earth are suffering because the resources are controlled by a few hands. We can all live in dignity if observe the love of God that is present in every one of us,” said Father Muchiri.
A convoy of boda boda riders in reflectors announcing a new dawn took to the streets hooting as they welcomed the new year in style.
“I survived a grisly road accident in 2024 and had it not been God’s mercy today I would not be alive and that is why I decided to dedicate this moment to pray to God at the church as I embark on another year,” said Geoffrey Kanani one of the boda boda riders at the Christ The King Cathedral.
In Elburgon, members of the clergy also condemned the abductions of the youth. Bishop Dr Kamuri Muya of Talents Revival Churches said it was hurting to see young people being kidnapped in mysterious ways.
Pastor John Chege of All Akurino Churches Assembly Church told the government to respect the church and the rule of law.
In Nyandarua, despite harsh economic times, thousands of merry makers flooded entertainment joints and churches to usher the new year.
At the Premier Hotel in Ol Kalou town, the revellers danced their way into the new year, with special dishes.
In Mt Kenya, residents night thronged churches, mosques and night clubs to usher in the new year, with calls on President Ruto’s government to ease the burden of court of living in the country.
According to Murang’a Hospitality Businesses Association chair James Maina, bars and hotels recorded good business up to midnight while lodgings recorded zero vacancies past midnight.
“We had patrons eating and drinking as they waited to see New Year 2025. Most of them retreated to the privacy of their lodges to continue with private celebrations,” Mr Maina said.
Fireworks light up the sky over Nyeri Golf Club to welcome 2025 in Nyeri town on January 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group
In Nyeri County, there were fireworks at the Nyeri Golf Club with revellers saying they hoped 2025 will be more prosperous.
“In 2024, this region suffered a lot politically and economically. We hope 2025 ushers in prosperity and unity,” said Ruth Nyawira who spoke at the Nyeri Golf Club.
In Laikipia, Isiolo and Meru North, leaders and residents called for more vigilance in ensuring that the banditry menace was resolved once and for all this year.
“We have been talking about stamping out banditry in Meru the government has abandoned us. The Inferior ministry should address this matter this year,” said Mr Jackson Kubai, a resident of Mutuati, Igembe North.
But it was gloom outside Montezuma Monalisa mortuary along Thika superhighway stretch in Murang’a county when a middle aged man was killed by a hit and run vehicle and his body overan by several vehicles leaving it cut into pieces and flesh scattered.
In Ruiru area, police boss Alexander Shikondi reported a sad incident of a middle aged female committing suicide at around 0600hrs.
“It was reported by members of the public that a person had committed suicide by jumping from the Ruiru-Gwa-kairo flyover to the main Thika Super highway. The body of an unknown African female adult aged 40 years was found lying on the super highway with multiple injuries,” Mr Shikondi said.
Reported by Steve Otieno, Ndubi Moturi, Jurgen Nambeka, Philip Muyanga, Mwangi Muiruri, Mwangi Ndirangu, Gitonga Marete, George Munene, David Muchui, Francis Mureithi, John Njoroge, Waikwa Maina, Rushdie Oudia, Kassim Adinasi, Ruth Mbula and Shaban Makokha
