NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Dr Fred Matiang’i has warned that Kenya risks deeper economic and social decline unless urgent reforms are undertaken in 2026, citing corruption, rising living costs, insecurity, and failures in public service delivery.
In his New Year message addressed to Kenyans at home and in the diaspora, Matiang’i reflected on what he described as a difficult 2025, marked by worsening economic conditions and strain on essential public services.
He pointed to the rising cost of living, declining quality of healthcare, increased insecurity, and growing cases of school dropouts linked to delayed government funding under free education programmes.
Matiang’i said corruption and inequitable distribution of public resources continued to undermine development and worsen living conditions, warning that without decisive action, the country could slide further into poverty.
“In 2026, we must pressure the Government to end the endemic corruption and ineptitude in service delivery. Effective public service must not be condoned at any cost,” he said.
He called on Kenyans to intensify pressure on the government in 2026 to address what he termed endemic corruption and inefficiency in service delivery, stressing that ineffective public service should not be tolerated.
NEW YEAR MESSAGEFellow brothers and sisters in Kenya and Diaspora,May I take this early opportunity to wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2026. I thank the Almighty God for the precious gift of life throughout a challenging year, 2025, and for allowing us to crossover into
Matiang’i said the United Opposition would continue mobilising across the country to present what he described as a message of hope amid growing public frustration.
“I promise that we will reach every part of this country to preach the message of hope amid the despair that has engulfed all Kenyans. With our eye firmly focused on winning the General Election in 2027, I urge all eligible Kenyans, mainly the youth, to register as voters in large numbers,” Matiangi said.
With the 2027 General Election in focus, Matiang’i urged eligible Kenyans—particularly young people—to register as voters in large numbers, arguing that political change could only be achieved through the ballot.
He called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently roll out a nationwide voter registration exercise, proposing the establishment of registration centres in universities and colleges to improve youth participation.
Matiang’i said Kenya could not afford another term under the current administration, accusing the Kenya Kwanza government of eroding development gains made by previous regimes.
Dr Matiang’i currently serves as Deputy Party Leader of the Jubilee Party.
