President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan for Kenya in 2026, focusing on infrastructure, economic growth, and national transformation. Speaking during the New Year’s Eve address at Eldoret State Lodge on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Ruto said the new year will mark a shift from planning to full-scale execution of development projects.

The president highlighted key initiatives set to start and be completed in 2026. Among the major projects, he said, is the Talanta Sports Complex, which is expected to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The facility is expected to be ready to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Alongside this, Ruto confirmed that the Bomas International Convention Centre will be completed, restoring it as a leading venue for national and international conferences.

“Through this framework, 2026 becomes the year of execution at scale. In this new year, we will complete the Talanta Sports Complex, ready to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 AFCON,” he said.

“We will also complete the state-of-the-art Bomas International Convention Centre, restoring it as a premier venue for national and international conferences, and positioning Kenya as the region’s hub for international events.”

Ruto emphasised that roads will remain a central focus of government investment. He promised to accelerate the tarmacking of the 6,000 kilometres of roads already under contract, including the Rironi-Mau Summit road, which is expected to open to traffic by mid-2027.

Major 2026 infrastructure plans

In addition, the government will start construction on several new highways across the country to improve connectivity and support trade.

On rail infrastructure, the president announced the start of the Naivasha-Narok-Bomet-Nyamira-Kisumu-Malaba standard gauge railway. He said the project will create a modern transport and logistics corridor linking Kenya to eastern and central Africa, boosting regional trade and transport efficiency.

Water and irrigation projects also feature prominently in the government’s plans. Ruto revealed that the Galana-Kulalu dam, whose contract was signed just before the end of 2025, will begin construction in 2026.

The dam is part of a broader initiative to expand irrigation infrastructure across the country, intending to bring 2.5 million acres of land under irrigation.

Air transport will also see significant development. Ruto confirmed that construction will begin on a modern, world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The new airport will position Kenya as the aviation hub of the region, boosting trade, tourism, and economic activity.

To fund these projects, the president pointed to the upcoming operationalisation of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund. He said these instruments will mobilise domestic resources, attract private investment, and protect the nation from excessive borrowing.

Proceeds from privatisation will be strictly ring-fenced for public infrastructure, while the Sovereign Wealth Fund will secure savings for future generations.