As the world counts down the hours till the start of the new year, Kenyans must take stock of what has happened in the last 12 months.

The country has been in constant campaign mode since the last disastrous elections which brought in the coalition government which has lurched and stuttered its way since then.

However the last three months of this year--indeed the last two weeks of this month--have once again served as a portent reminder of the huge challenges ahead as Kenyans venture into the new year.

Predictions by the Treasury, the World Bank are that the economy will continue to grow as long as the March 4 elections are peaceful. The latest Synovate survey indicates that 65 per cent of those polled share this optimism.

Kenyans have a chance in the New Year to peacefully and firmly reject those who would try to dampen this optimism. They can prove that they have come of age as the country enters its Jubilee year.

They can do this by rejecting unsuitable aspirants and voting in only those leaders committed to fully implementing and not distorting or mutilating the constitution.

They can recommit themselves to doing this in a peaceful manner.

Quote of the day: "Creativity takes courage," French artist Henri Matisse regarded as the most important French painter of the 20th century for his use of color was born on 31 December 1869.