In a New Year's message, Kenya's President Ruto unveiled a roadmap for 2026 aimed at combating poverty and unemployment, building on economic foundations laid in previous years. He emphasized the success of policies like universal healthcare and agricultural reforms, while also addressing national challenges including political unrest and drug abuse.

• President Ruto aims to cut poverty and unemployment by half in 2026.
• The Social Health Authority (SHA) has registered over 29 million Kenyans, with examples highlighting coverage for significant medical expenses.
• Key initiatives for 2026 include the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund to finance development.
• The government will confront alcohol and drug abuse as a national emergency, increasing the Anti-Narcotics Unit from 200 to 700 officers.
• Major infrastructure projects like the Talanta Sports Complex, Bomas International Convention Centre, new highways, and the Naivasha-Narok-Bomet-Nyamira-Kisumu-Malaba standard gauge railway will commence or be completed.