As President William Ruto prepares to deliver his 2025 State of the Nation Address on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:30 pm, Kenyans are looking ahead with a mix of expectation, concern, and curiosity.

The annual address, delivered before a joint sitting of Parliament, traditionally outlines the government’s achievements, challenges, and policy direction for the year ahead.

With the nation facing complex economic, political, and social pressures, the President is expected to touch on a wide range of issues that continue to shape national discourse.

Below are the major themes and priorities Kenyans should anticipate in the 2025 address.

1. The state of the economy & national debt

Economic stability remains at the core of public concern. With Kenya’s public debt now exceeding Ksh11 trillion, Ruto is expected to outline the government’s fiscal strategy, including:

• Measures to slow borrowing and manage public debt.
• Revenue mobilisation efforts and tax reforms.
• Strategies to rein in government spending.
• Safeguards against global economic shocks.

Kenyans will be looking for reassurance on how the administration plans to balance growth with financial responsibility.

2. Rising cost of living

High food and energy prices continue to squeeze households. The address is likely to focus on:

• Long-term interventions to stabilise food prices.
• Progress on subsidised fertiliser, irrigation schemes, and agricultural reforms.
• Efforts to curb exploitation in the supply chain.

Any tangible plan to cushion citizens from the high cost of living will be closely scrutinised.

3. Infrastructure & mega projects

Infrastructure remains a hallmark of Ruto’s development agenda. Key expected updates include:

• The dualling of the Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit highway, set to begin this year.
• Progress on the Talanta Sports City, major stadia, and convention centres.
• Expansion of the railway to Kisumu and Malaba.
• Ongoing and upcoming dam projects.

Such projects will be positioned as engines for economic growth and job creation.

4. National Security & Counter-Terrorism

With recent anti-terror operations and a rise in organised crime incidents, Ruto is expected to address:

• Counter-terrorism strategies.
• Border security measures.
• Modernisation of the police service.
• Community policing and intelligence sharing.

Ensuring safety remains central to national stability.

5. Universal Health Coverage

Healthcare continues to be a major concern for households. Key updates may include:

• Rollout progress of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
• Expansion of health facilities and medical staffing.
• Supply of essential medicines and digitisation of health records.

6. Education Reforms

Kenya’s education sector has undergone seismic shifts. Expected talking points include:

• Implementation progress of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
• Funding reforms for universities and TVETs.
• Teacher recruitment and infrastructure improvement.

7. Housing and urban development

The Affordable Housing Programme is one of Ruto’s flagship initiatives. The country may expect updates on:

• Ongoing construction in major towns.
• Employment generated through the programme.
• Urban renewal projects and slum upgrading.

However, a section of the lawmakers has said that they will skip the event. Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu confirmed that he will not be part of President Ruto’s State of the Nation address in parliament.

Speaking to a local TV station on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Nyutu dismissed the function as another formality for the president to push his own agenda and peddle lies.