As President William Ruto prepares to deliver the highly anticipated State of the Nation address in Parliament Thursday, Kenyans across the country are voicing their expectations. This annual constitutional obligation will see the President update the nation on critical matters such as national security, government measures, and progress in realizing national values and international obligations. With all eyes on Parliament, where no other business will take place, we hit the streets to hear what Kenyans are hoping to hear from their Head of State. Here’s what they had to say.

Jorum Wangatwa a farmer, Kakamega County, Photos by Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard
 I urge President Ruto to address the economic realities behind the inflation rate, which the Central Bank of Kenya reports as 2.7%. This figure contrasts sharply with the situation on the ground, where most Kenyans are struggling with limited cash flow amidst the burden of a high cost of living.
Bephine Khalayi Business Lady in Kakamega town | Picture By Benjamin Sakwa
 I want President Ruto to address issues concerning health insurance coverage. Many Kenyans, including myself, expect the government to resolve these problems once and for all. What frustrates me is that we had hoped for lower charges, from 500 shillings to 300 shillings, as President Ruto promised during his campaign.
Mercy Wangari is a business lady in Mombasa | Omondi Onyango,Standard
 She expects President William Ruto to address the nation in Parliament today by focusing on reducing taxation. She also hopes the President will initiate more projects to benefit citizens and listen to the voices of ordinary Kenyans. Lastly, she expresses gratitude to the President for creating job opportunities for youth in other countries.
Samuel Okoth Kwama is a salesman  in Mombasa | Photo by Omondi Onyango,Standard
 He expects President William Ruto to address the high cost of living as he delivers the State of the Nation address in Parliament today. He also urges the President to improve the education system, noting that CBC is expensive for parents and more teachers are needed to handle the growing number of students. Additionally, he hopes the President will halt the transition from NHIF to SHA until ordinary citizens are adequately informed about the differences.

The State of the Nation address is a constitutional requirement under Article 132, where the President must annually update Parliament on critical matters. These include national security, the government's progress in implementing its agenda, adherence to national values, and the fulfillment of international obligations. President William Ruto’s address will provide a platform to reflect on his administration's achievements and outline priorities for the coming year. Lawmakers will begin debating the address next week, providing an opportunity to dissect and discuss the measures presented.