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As 2024 draws to a close tonight, Kenyans are left to reflect on a year that tested the nation’s resilience and forced a reckoning with systemic challenges.

From economic turbulence to environmental disasters, the phrase annus horribilis, famously coined by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, seems apt to describe Kenya’s struggles in 2024. However, even amid the chaos, glimmers of hope and resilience shone through, providing lessons for a better future.

The Kenyan economy in 2024 remained under immense pressure, with inflation eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Food prices soared to record highs, exacerbated by prolonged droughts in key agricultural zones and the ripple effects of global economic instability. Urban dwellers grappled with unaffordable rents, while rural communities struggled to make ends meet as crop yields plummeted.

The government’s efforts to cushion citizens—through subsidies on essential commodities and the Hustler Fund’s expansion—were met with mixed reactions. Critics decried inefficiency and corruption in program implementation, while proponents argued these initiatives prevented an even deeper crisis.

Regardless of where one stands, the year underscored the urgency of structural economic reforms to address inequality and reduce Kenya’s reliance on external debts.

Nature unleashed its fury on Kenya in 2024, as the effects of climate change manifested in stark and tragic ways. Prolonged droughts in northern Kenya displaced thousands, leading to humanitarian crises in counties like Turkana and Marsabit. Meanwhile, unseasonal heavy rains caused flash floods in parts of Nyanza and Rift Valley, destroying infrastructure and livelihoods.

This dual onslaught of droughts and floods exposed Kenya’s vulnerability to climate change, despite being a minor contributor to global emissions. The government’s commitments at COP29, including investments in renewable energy and community-driven climate adaptation, were steps in the right direction. Yet, the slow pace of implementation highlights the gap between rhetoric and action. As climate disasters become more frequent, Kenya must prioritize resilience-building in its national agenda.

The political landscape of 2024 was marred by scandals that eroded public trust in leadership. Allegations of corruption surfaced in major infrastructure projects, igniting public outcry over the misuse of taxpayer funds. The opposition capitalised on these controversies, organising nationwide protests that occasionally turned violent.

The year also saw growing frustration over police brutality, as crackdowns on protesters led to injuries and fatalities. While the government touted its achievements in security, such as combating terrorism and banditry, critics argued that human rights abuses overshadowed these gains. Restoring faith in governance will require a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and protecting civil liberties.

Amid the gloom, there were positive developments in education and health. The transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) saw significant milestones, with secondary schools adapting to new teaching and assessment methods. However, questions lingered about the readiness of teachers and schools to handle the curriculum’s demands.

In health, the fight against malaria saw a breakthrough with the rollout of the R21 vaccine in endemic regions. The R21 vaccine is one of two malaria vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent malaria in children.

The government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative also gained traction, albeit with concerns about funding and sustainability. These strides underscored Kenya’s potential to lead in public health innovation, provided systemic challenges like underfunding and mismanagement are addressed.

Kenya faced several challenges in introducing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), including, affordability, equity and administrative capacity which were hindered by inefficiencies, corruption, and limited technical expertise.

Moving forward, Kenya must prioritize inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and governance reforms. It is time for leaders to listen to the voices of ordinary citizens and address their needs with integrity and urgency.

 — The writer is a Communication Consultation-