Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has issued a brief Christmas message to Kenyans, wishing the country a peaceful festive season and a prosperous new year. He also urged road users to exercise caution as holiday travel peaks.
In his message on Wednesday, the President acknowledged the end of the year and expressed gratitude to citizens for their resilience throughout 2025. “Wakenya, 2025, we clocked it. I wish you a Merry Christmas, a great and blessed 2026,” he said.
The statement captured his holiday wishes and reflected his view that the nation had successfully completed the year. The President also addressed road safety, a recurring concern during the festive period when millions of Kenyans travel to rural homes and holiday destinations.
He urged motorists to act responsibly and avoid behaviors that could lead to accidents. “Na Kule Barani, let’s drive carefully, avoid unnecessary losses,” he said.
His message comes at a time when road safety agencies have intensified campaigns aimed at reducing the number of fatalities that traditionally rise during the Christmas and New Year season.
Ruto extended his gratitude to Kenyans, offering a warm closing to his message. “Otherwise asanteni Sana Mungu awabariki nawapenda jameni,” he said. His remarks reflected appreciation for citizens and conveyed his hope for national unity as the year ends.
The President’s Christmas message was shared as Kenyans marked the holiday through travel, family gatherings and religious events across the country. The period typically records high traffic volumes, prompting government agencies and law enforcement officers to call for compliance with safety regulations.
Public service vehicles have been under increased scrutiny while authorities have urged passengers to report any dangerous driving. Ruto’s remarks were part of broader national well-wishes issued by leaders and institutions acknowledging the close of 2025 and the anticipation of 2026.
Kenyans continue to share Christmas messages on social platforms, with many reflecting on the year’s challenges and achievements. The President’s statement contributed to the national conversation around safety and unity during the festive period.
On Tuesday, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has called on Kenyans to observe road safety measures as they travel to join loved ones during the festive season. He urged both passengers and drivers to prioritise safety on the roads.
“I want to encourage the drivers, the operators, the passengers who will be traveling in privately owned vehicles or in public vehicles to really ensure that we drive safely, we be cautious on our roads and we preserve lives by not driving carelessly as we travel during this festive period,” he said.
He reminded road users to ensure that vehicles are in good condition and to comply with traffic rules. “Safety starts with me as we drive. Is the vehicle in good condition? Can we observe the traffic rules that we also cooperate with the enforcers once they basically help us because they are there to help us to enforce and to ensure safety,” CS Chirchir said.
The Cabinet Secretary also encouraged Kenyans to report any dangers or traffic concerns to the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority.
“The Government emphasises reporting any dangers to the police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he added.
CS Chirchir noted that enforcement centers have been set up along various police stations nationwide to support safe travel and reduce road accidents during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The CS concluded his message by extending festive greetings to all Kenyans.
