The historic Kamariny Stadium has become the Centre of public debate following the decision to move this year’s Mashujaa Day national celebrations from the venue, despite earlier expectations that Elgeyo Marakwet County would host the event on October 20.

The decision has triggered widespread reactions from residents, leaders and stakeholders, with many expressing disappointments and arguing that the county has for years been overlooked in the allocation of major national development projects.

Residents say the cancellation has denied the county an opportunity to showcase its rich sporting heritage, particularly Kamariny Stadium, which has produced and nurtured some of Kenya’s greatest athletics champions.

However, county leaders have urged residents to remain calm, insisting that the county still stands to benefit from the co-hosting arrangement involving Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.

Governor Wisely Rotich has assured residents that construction works at Kamariny Stadium are progressing well and that the facility will be completed before the Mashujaa Day celebrations. 

He said the project remains a priority and will transform the stadium into an international-standard sports facility capable of hosting major local and global competitions.

According to the governor, the co-hosting agreement will also unlock additional national government development projects across the county, including improvements in infrastructure and other public amenities expected to leave a lasting legacy for residents.

The ongoing works at Kamariny Stadium mark a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to strengthen its position as the “Home of Champions.” 

Once completed, the modern facility is expected to provide world-class training and competition grounds for athletes while boosting sports tourism and creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Leaders have appealed to residents to lower political temperatures and remain patient, saying the long-term benefits of the ongoing projects outweigh the disappointment surrounding the change of venue for the national celebrations.

They maintain that Kamariny Stadium’s transformation into an international-standard facility will be one of the county’s biggest achievements and a lasting investment for future generations.