Kenyans joined billions worldwide to welcome the New Year with Pomp and Splendour.
In the Port City of Mombasa, residents turned up in numbers in hotels, Mama Ngina Waterfront, and churches for night vigil mass to usher in the New Year 2025.
Father Vincent Alicho of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shanzu, in his New Year sermon, urged the government to prioritise the basic needs of Kenyans despite the economic challenges.
The parish priest said last year, 2024, was full of hard times for Kenyans, with political protests by young Kenyans that sent shock waves through the country’s political scene.
He thanked President Ruto for backtracking on his political stand and heeding the calls of Kenyans on the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
To avert anti-government protests which were experienced last year, Fr. Alicho, a Nigerian missionary, urged leaders to be cautious and listen to the people to avoid facing their wrath.
“I am advising our politicians to put citizens first before anything else; Kenya belongs to us all, and policies should be people-oriented,” he said.
The Parish priest further said they abide by the message of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), where they raised concern over Kenya Kwanza’s economic and political policies and how the country is being governed.
“Our country needs peace; when we have peace in Kenya, things will be better. So, we need peace from the political, religious, and economic arenas,” stated Fr. Alicho.
Politicians and religious leaders were advised to be ambassadors of uniting Kenyans by preaching peace in 2025.
Most hotels and restaurants recorded full bookings for the New Year celebrations. Hospitality players are optimistic that in 2025 the sector will rebound as the country’s economic fortunes improve.
“This year, we are blessed. The New Year bookings look better than last year. We are full house, and many hotels around Mombasa are full,” said Travellers Beach Hotel General Manager (GM) Hillary Siele.
“It shows the government has done a lot in terms of security. In mobility, the business class was added in Standard Gauge Railway transport. Jambo Jet also increased its flights; therefore, transport was not a challenge,” he added.
He urged the government to address power fluctuations and to expedite the construction of the Nyali-Mtwapa road project.
At the Mama Ngina Water Front, residents were entertained by local artists and witnessed magnificent fireworks that exploded over the Indian Ocean skies.
Jay Pyrotechnics, an entertainment firm, staged fireworks shows across the county and also supplied consumer fireworks in various areas.
“We are delighted to bring celebratory spirit to millions of Kenyans and foreign visitors,” said Master Projection Artist, Zameer Noorali of Jays Pyrotechnics.
By Sadik Hassan
