Kenyans have expressed optimism as they ushered in 2024, with the majority referring to the just-ended 2023 as a nightmare due to tough economic times.
They, however, have hopes that this year will be better and called on President William Ruto to do whatever is possible to lower the cost of living.
Most of those who spoke to the Star said they struggled to get through the year with lots of challenges; however, they thanked God for helping them navigate through the challenges.
They pointed out inflation in the prices of basic commodities, high taxation, and unemployment as some of the major challenges in 2023.
A spot check by the Star established that some citizens welcomed the new year indoors while others were in church and social places like bars, clubs, and hotels on Monday at 12.01 a.m.
Some said they never travelled to their rural homes during the festive season due to inadequate finances or a lack thereof, and hence decided to stay put and spend their holidays with their families in towns.
“I decided to come out with my family to this joint for the New Year because we didn’t travel. Life is hard; we came at this joint because it’s near, safe and has good ambience and services,” Athi River resident Fridah Wambogo said on Monday at the joint that hosted more than 3, 000 people to usher in the year.
“But, I thank God we are here today; we came to celebrate the New Year with other Kenyans without travelling,” Wambogo said.
Wambogo said she hopes this year will be better than last year.
“It was tough; we pray that things will be better this time around; taxes will go down,” she said.
Vihiga MCA Mishell Stika was among the Kenyans who celebrated the New Year at the resort.
The youthful county legislator blamed the hard economic times on the Kenya Kwanza administration. She was nominated by the ODM party.
“The president lied to the Kenyan youth. He said we should vote for him so that he can give us jobs, but his Cabinet is full of tycoons, no hustlers as he calls them, the poor,” Stika said.
"Youths, especially those from humble backgrounds, also need opportunities."
The resort's CEO Sarah Hillman, told Kenyans to be positive about their lives and the country’s future as they usher in the new year.
“Last year we had lots of challenges, but we believe in our President. We are looking up to you to make sure things get better for us. We believe in you; make it happen,” Hillman said.
“As you can see, we are so many. People are here in numbers to celebrate with us as they cross over to 2024. We love you, and honestly, this is the best that could be happening today, being with you."
Hillman told Kenyans to thank God for being alive and seeing the new year.
“I live in the UK; my 2023 New Year celebration was quiet. But today’s here in my motherland; its vibrant. Kenya is full of life and vibrant. It’s a little bit subtle; it’s just about being close to the nuclear family,” Hillman said.
“I’m glad to celebrate 2024 here in Kenya with everybody tonight."
Hillman welcomed the government’s efforts to help Kenyans secure jobs in diaspora, terming the move workable and ideal.
“Yes, President, you are encouraging the idea of exporting labor to the world so that you provide us with human resources in the UK, for instance. We have surplus labour in Kenya, and there are lots of areas that they can fit in in diaspora. Kenyans, we will make you proud in the UK without any doubt,” Hillman said.