As President William Ruto prepares to address Parliament, Kenyans are voicing their thoughts on his performance so far and the pressing issues they hope he will talk about in his speech.
Opinions vary widely as people reflect on the diverse challenges and what Ruto's government has delivered so far.
As Ruto heads to Parliament, many Kenyans want him to outline actionable plans to create jobs, lower the cost of living, and improve the quality of healthcare.
Some Kenyans acknowledge Ruto’s effort in reducing the cost of fuel, an initiative that has been seen as a step towards easing the burden of living expenses.
"I appreciate the recent drop in fuel prices. It’s made a slight difference in my daily expenses, but we need consistency to feel real change," Kamau, a Nairobi-based taxi driver said.
Sam, a florist said that the President shouldn’t go to address the Parliament.
“Presidents go to address what they have done, what has the president done? Like for example the Social Health Authority (SHA) that he introduced what has it done to the people in the hospital?" Sam posed.
Sam concluded by saying that the current government has not been able to deliver on its promises hence no need for the President to issue the State of the Nation address.
He was skeptical that what the President will say in his speech will be anything new.
Kariuki, another onlooker said that the President's address should include the high taxation and the university funding model that is forcing so many youths out of university
“You see how these universities are becoming expensive, I do not even know where I will start,” he said.
He continued to say that he has a student finishing secondary school and he does not know how he will go about it if the same university funding model continues.
“He is just supposed to listen to the people, right now he is not in touch with reality. He is supposed to address how things are on the ground,” Kariuki said.
"He should not work on his political image too much because once he starts doing a good job the good name and praises to him will automatically come."
Brenda, a university graduate decried high levels of unemployment among the youth, saying many graduates are roaming the streets without jobs.
"Ruto promised to create opportunities for the youth, but we are still waiting," she said.
Other Kenyans have expressed frustration over healthcare services.
"Hospitals are understaffed, and medication is expensive. We need affordable healthcare now, not in the future," Grace, a mother, lamented.
Njoroge said he is concerned about the high cost of living, saying the cost of basic goods remains the same despite the government saying it has decreased.
"Even with fuel prices down, food prices are still unaffordable. What is the President doing to stabilise food costs?" Njoroge posed.
President Ruto’s address will undoubtedly set the tone for his next steps, and Kenyans will be watching closely to see if his words translate into action.
