Speaking from the State Lodge in Eldoret during a colorful crossover ceremony, the President painted a picture of a nation on the brink of a massive transformation.
However, the honeymoon phase of the New Year has lasted barely a few hours before local leaders began poking holes in the ambitious roadmap.
The most notable pushback comes from Machakos, where Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi delivered a blunt reality check.
While the President spoke of turning Kenya into a global economic hub, often referred to as the "Singapore Dream," Mwangangi has urged the administration to ground its 2026 goals in honesty.
His message is clear that before chasing high-flying international standards, the government must first deliver on the basic, fundamental promises of free and quality education for Kenyan children.
The President’s 2026 agenda is nothing short of a construction marathon. Among the heavy-hitting priorities mentioned were;
Sporting infrastructure and that finishing the Talanta Sports Complex in time for AFCON 2027.
Transport & logistics that is starting the SGR extension to Malaba and building a world-class terminal at JKIA.
Agriculture and that's launching the Galana–Kulalu Dam to bring millions of acres under irrigation.
While these mega-projects look impressive on paper, the early criticism from leaders like the Machakos DG highlights a growing fatigue with grand promises.
For the average Kenyan, a turning point isn't measured in kilometers of tarmac or the size of a convention center, it’s felt in the cost of living and the quality of public schools.
As 2026 begins, Ruto is clearly betting on infrastructure to define his legacy.
But if the early political temperature is any indication, he’ll have to balance those "Singapore dreams" with the immediate, everyday needs of the people to keep the country on board.
