This archive report was first published on 1 January 2022.
January 1, 2022, marked the beginning of a new year for Kenyans, who were filled with hope and anxiety as they looked forward to a better 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic had brought about a new normal, and many were optimistic that the economy would improve in the coming year.
With a general election scheduled for August, campaigns were already underway, and many Kenyans were hoping for good tidings with economic growth to rescue dying sectors and create job opportunities. Boda boda rider Collins Opicho, for instance, expressed his optimism, saying, "I expect that the economy will improve because in this boda-boda delivery job the income will remain the same but once the price of commodities and services reduce, it will be a reprieve for us."
President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his New Year message, emphasized the need for course correction and building back better. He said, "As we bid goodbye to 2021, we rejoice in the fact that 2022 gives us an opportunity to do things better. By offering us a reset, the New Year is one for course correction and building back better…As a nation, it is up to us to write our 2022 story page by page; ensuring that each day we make Kenya better than it was the day before."
However, not everyone was optimistic. IT expert Magdalene Wanjiru, for instance, expressed her desire to forget the past two years, saying, "Thay was hell," and describing the COVID-19 pandemic as the "worst pandemic that took away lives and business."
Others, like jobless youth Alex Mogaka, were hoping to get a job in the new year, while taxi driver Collins Opondo appealed to political leaders to maintain peace in their campaigns. Shoe shiner Amos Kibet urged Kenyans to vote wisely so as to employ leaders who care for the welfare of the people.
