A wave of optimism is sweeping over weary Kenyans as they look forward to a new year they hope will herald good tidings after a year that saw many households fall into hard economic times.
From religious leaders, politicians, educationists and economists, Kenyans hope the New Year will bring good tidings, ranging from a cohesive country, to reduced cost of living and space to set up thriving businesses.
Ken Gichinga, Chief Economist at Mentoria Economics, expressed hope that with the elections behind us and the installation of the new government, Kenyans can finally settle down to work.
“We hope that in 2023 they will settle down and get projects going. Once they start doing that, there will be more money in circulation because people will be opening and expanding businesses. That will be the biggest upside, that we will exist without significant disruptions,” said Mr Gichinga.
He explained that fuel prices may also eventually go down, and hoped that the country will eventually experience significant rainfall to bring an end to the biting drought that has seen more than four million people require food assistance. He also hoped that online businesses will continue to thrive in 2023, just like they did during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said he hopes for a reduced cost of living and a government that will be responsive to the needs of the people.
“In 2023, we want a more cohesive country where one’s name does not betray him, and that the rule of law shall be enhanced,” he said.
His Belgut counterpart, Nelson Koech, explained that 2023 will herald hustler-friendly Bills.
“We have done the Hustler Fund Bill. We shall be dealing with other bills such as the NSSF (National Social Security Fund) Bill to make sure that contributions are enhanced, and the Housing Fund Bill. We shall be interacting with them when we come back from recess,” said Mr Koech.
Daniel, a teacher in Embu, hopes that in 2023, the Kenya Kwanza government will relook at the welfare of teachers and most importantly improve their salaries.
“Pay has not been good. Teachers are also demoralised by the Teachers Service Commission which has draconian rules that do not enable a teacher to grow. They should make changes at the top management of TSC,” he said.
David Muchunguh, a parent and Senior Education Writer at the Nation , hopes 2023 will be a less stressful term for children after two years of a rigorous crash programme.
“Many parents have accrued fee arrears and at times children would be sent home for fees, thereby losing valuable contact time with their teachers,” he said.
Bishop Hudson Ndeda, the National Chairman, the Church & Clergy Association of Kenya said that in 2023, the clergy will continue to exercise their role of holding the government accountable, despite the close relationship they have enjoyed with the top leadership.
Anjeline Imbosa, Kakamega
I hope for an improved economy and stability that shall enable Kenyans to enjoy their lives. I also hope for improved health services and school fees reduction.
Happiness Mwadime, Mlolongo
Joseph Ngeka, Nairobi
Khadija Mwinyi, Mombasa
Jackson Macharia, Nyeri
Freshiah Njeri, Nyeri
Kenneth Kogo, Nairobi
Anjeline Imbosa, Kakamega
Kilunda Masambia, Mombasa
Mary Ondore, Kakamega
Juma Jirma, Isiolo
Peter Hallinan and Shiku Githiomi, Ireland
Abdi Sherif, Lamu
Joel Mbaabu, Isiolo
Sheila Monyelo, Kisumu
Alois Mwenda, Isiolo
Mumina Alaso
Dancun Oyugi, Nairobi
Brian Onyango
Henry Omondi Odhiambo, Siaya
