Nairobi — President William Ruto has expressed optimism that the New Year of 2024 will usher in positive developments for the nation.

In his televised New Year's address on Sunday, President Ruto asserted that Kenya is on a promising path towards enhancing its economic prospects.

"It is important for us to remind one another of what is at stake. We have come some encouraging way amid enormous challenges and significant difficulties," he said.

While acknowledging that certain measures taken by his administration to streamline processes have caused short-term challenges, he emphasizes that these decisions will ultimately yield long-term benefits.

"Our path will be easier, our journey faster and our progress smoother, if we all remember that the people of Kenya have interests that dictate our job descriptions and form the terms of our employment," he said.

While President Ruto faces scrutiny for addressing the challenges encountered by Kenyans who perceive themselves as disadvantaged due to the government's tax policies and its handling of the cost of living, he emphasized that "the new year comes with opportunities to do much more, and much better."

During the address, President Ruto took the chance to outline several initiatives implemented by his administration to bring stability to the economy.

He outlined the deliberate efforts by his administration to cut expenditures by as much as Sh400 billion, aiming to minimize the need for borrowing.

"We certainly cannot be independent if we are enslaved by monumental debt, as has been the case," he said.

He went on to state that Kenya is meeting its debt obligations signaling a "triumphant path from plunging into economic stagnation."

While detailing the efforts his administration has undertaken to enhance the country's prospects, President Ruto issued a unified appeal for all Kenyans and leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, to come together and support the government's initiatives.

"I urge all Kenyans, especially leaders, to build on the Kenya that celebrates diversity and not ethnic bigotry, a Kenya free of anarchy and violence, and a nation not founded on negativity, but on a new positive narrative that is gaining momentum globally,' he said.