Kenyans welcome 2026 with prayer, fireworks and optimism
Kenyans joined the rest of the world in ushering in the New Year, with millions across the country welcoming 2026 in scenes of jubilation marked by prayer, music and fireworks.
Across major towns and cities, crossover celebrations were largely dominated by church services, as congregants gathered for overnight prayers to mark the transition into the new year. From Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, churches were filled to capacity as worshippers reflected on the year gone by and sought divine guidance for the months ahead. Gospel music, testimonies and sermons calling for unity, hope and resilience defined the mood of the night.
In the capital, Nairobi, large crowds converged at key public spaces, with Uhuru Park and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) recording massive turnouts.
Revelers began arriving early in the evening, drawn by live performances, countdown concerts and elaborate fireworks displays that lit up the skyline at midnight. Security agencies maintained a heavy presence to ensure orderly celebrations, while emergency services were placed on standby.
Similar scenes were witnessed in other urban centres, where county governments and private organisers hosted concerts and fireworks shows. In coastal towns, revellers welcomed the New Year along beaches, while in rural areas, families marked the occasion quietly at home or in local places of worship.
President William Ruto, in his New Year message to Kenyans, described 2026 as a “watershed year,” saying it would be remembered as the period the country changed course for the better. He cited progress made in agriculture, health, education and job creation, noting that government reforms were beginning to bear fruit.
The Head of State urged Kenyans to remain united and optimistic as the country embarks on the new year, calling on citizens to work together to strengthen the economy and foster peace. “Let us face 2026 with renewed hope, shared purpose and confidence in our collective ability to build a better nation,” President Ruto said.
