Kisumu City ushered in the New Year in a vibrant blend of celebration, reflection and prayer as residents poured into the streets, churches and entertainment spots to welcome 2026.
As the clock struck midnight, the central business district came alive with flashing lights, loud music and spontaneous dance, while fireworks lit up the night sky, drawing cheers from crowds along Oginga Odinga Street, Jomo Kenyatta Highway and the lakeside precincts.
Young people danced in groups as motorists hooted in celebration, and families and friends exchanged hugs and New Year wishes, marking the end of 2025 with visible excitement and optimism.
Beach entertainment spots were full to the brim as revellers braved the cold breeze to usher in the new year.
At popular entertainment joints, music blared well into the early hours as revellers celebrated the crossover, while street vendors took advantage of the large crowds to sell snacks and refreshments.
Away from the revelry, hundreds of residents chose a more reflective start to the year, thronging churches across the city for crossover services.
From the Catholic Diocese of Kisumu to evangelical churches in Nyalenda, Manyatta and Kondele, worshippers prayed through the night, seeking peace, good health and economic stability in the year ahead.
Clergy urged congregants to embrace unity, discipline and hard work as the county stepped into a new chapter.
In his New Year message, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed residents for their resilience and unity throughout 2025, noting that despite economic, climate and resource challenges, the county made steady progress in strengthening infrastructure, healthcare and education, while expanding opportunities for youth, women, farmers and entrepreneurs.
As Kisumu entered 2026, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving residents with dedication and integrity, calling on every citizen to renew their sense of duty and shared responsibility, saying the county’s progress depends on discipline, hard work and collective effort.
He said the county government would continue focusing on sustainable development, job creation, environmental protection and inclusive growth, while working closely with partners and welcoming new ideas and investments aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of residents.
The governor also wished pupils and students a successful academic year as schools reopen on Monday, thanking parents, guardians and teachers for shaping the future of Kisumu through education.
By dawn, the city slowly returned to calm as revellers dispersed and street cleaners moved in to clear remnants of the night’s celebrations.
For many residents, the New Year festivities were not just about fireworks, music and dance, but about renewed hope and confidence that 2026 will be a year of opportunity, dignity and prosperity, as Kisumu rallies behind calls for unity and shared purpose.
By Chris Mahandara
