In his New Year message shared on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Kioni painted a sombre picture of life for ordinary citizens, arguing that for many families, the transition into the new year has been defined less by hope and more by the daily struggle to survive.
He said rising living costs, job insecurity and shrinking incomes have combined to push households to the edge.
According to the former Ndaragwa Member of Parliament, parents across the country are grappling with difficult questions about how to provide basic necessities, including food and school fees, while young people who have followed the expected path of education and hard work remain stuck in unemployment or underemployment.
“Some families are carrying unanswered questions into the new year,” Kioni said.
According to the former Ndaragwa Member of Parliament, parents across the country are grappling with difficult questions about how to provide basic necessities, including food and school fees, while young people who have followed the expected path of education and hard work remain stuck in unemployment or underemployment.
“Some families are carrying unanswered questions into the new year,” Kioni said.
“Parents are wondering where the next meal or school fees will come from. Young people are doing everything right and still waiting for a break. Many households are holding themselves together quietly, because they have no other option.”
Kioni noted that the past year placed extraordinary demands on families that were already struggling.
Kioni noted that the past year placed extraordinary demands on families that were already struggling.
He said rising food prices, increased taxation, job losses and reduced purchasing power have left many Kenyans with little financial breathing room, forcing painful trade-offs between essential needs.
He argued that the burden of these economic pressures has not been shared equally, observing that those who suffer the most often have the least influence over policies and decisions that shape their lives.
He argued that the burden of these economic pressures has not been shared equally, observing that those who suffer the most often have the least influence over policies and decisions that shape their lives.
According to Kioni, this growing disconnect between leadership and lived reality risks widening inequality and eroding public trust in institutions.
“This past year asked a lot from households that were already stretched thin,” he said.
“This past year asked a lot from households that were already stretched thin,” he said.
“Too often, those carrying the heaviest load had the smallest voice in the decisions that affected them.”
Despite the grim assessment, Kioni paid tribute to the resilience of Kenyans, describing their quiet determination as the foundation that has kept the country functioning through difficult times.
Despite the grim assessment, Kioni paid tribute to the resilience of Kenyans, describing their quiet determination as the foundation that has kept the country functioning through difficult times.
He praised workers, parents and young people who continue to wake up early, search for opportunities and choose responsibility even when the rewards feel unfair or delayed.
“Still, people kept going,” he said.
“Still, people kept going,” he said.
“They woke up early, tried again, and chose responsibility even when the return did not seem equal to the effort. That quiet resilience is what has kept this country standing.”
Kioni cautioned, however, that resilience alone cannot sustain a nation indefinitely. He warned that leadership that remains disconnected from the real cost of its decisions risks deepening social divisions and further straining the social fabric.
Looking ahead, the Jubilee Party official called for a renewed focus on justice, accountability and inclusive economic growth.
Kioni cautioned, however, that resilience alone cannot sustain a nation indefinitely. He warned that leadership that remains disconnected from the real cost of its decisions risks deepening social divisions and further straining the social fabric.
Looking ahead, the Jubilee Party official called for a renewed focus on justice, accountability and inclusive economic growth.
He argued that leadership must be earned through empathy and results, rather than assumed through power or position.
Kioni said Kenyans deserve an economy where hard work is fairly rewarded, where young people can realistically aspire to stable employment and dignity, and where household sacrifices are recognised rather than exploited.
As the country moves deeper into 2026 and begins to look ahead to the 2027 general election, Kioni framed the year as a moment for reflection and course correction.
Kioni said Kenyans deserve an economy where hard work is fairly rewarded, where young people can realistically aspire to stable employment and dignity, and where household sacrifices are recognised rather than exploited.
As the country moves deeper into 2026 and begins to look ahead to the 2027 general election, Kioni framed the year as a moment for reflection and course correction.
He urged leaders to listen more closely to the lived experiences of citizens and to prioritise policies that restore dignity and opportunity to ordinary Kenyans.
“The future cannot be built on survival alone,” Kioni said.
“The future cannot be built on survival alone,” Kioni said.
“It must be built on fairness, accountability and a shared sense of responsibility for one another.”
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