Preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are progressing across Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties ahead of Mashujaa Day event on 20 October.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the celebrations would, for the first time, be hosted across the three counties.
The Thematic Week Celebrations will run from 13 to 18 October under the theme “Security, Sports and the Finance Sector (The Economy).”
Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which will host the main celebrations, has a seating capacity of 15,043 and is 68 per cent complete. Kapsabet Stadium, with a capacity of 10,000, is 45.4 per cent complete, while Kamariny Stadium, also with a capacity of 10,000, is 58 per cent complete.
Dr Omollo said work was also underway to improve roads in Eldoret City, Kapsabet and Iten, alongside improvements to water connectivity and other infrastructure. Work at the stadiums is being undertaken by the Ministry of Sports, with support and supervision from the Ministry of Defence.
“As Chair of the Steering Committee, I am confident that we will be ready for the celebrations. There is still considerable work to be done, and I wish to thank the technical team, which has worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to bring us to this stage,” Dr Omollo said.
He commended the county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu for their continued support, and thanked county leaders, Members of County Assemblies, Governors, Members of Parliament and other leaders for their collaboration since the decision was made to host the celebrations across the three counties.
The Principal Secretary urged residents to prepare to welcome Kenyans from across the country and visiting dignitaries who will join the President for the celebrations.
He said the occasion would provide an opportunity to showcase the region’s contribution to sports, security and the economy.
On recent incidents of banditry and cattle rustling, Dr Omollo said the Government had made significant progress through a multi-agency approach, while expressing concern over the events of recent days.
“Our security teams are on the ground and are working closely with leaders in Samburu, Isiolo and parts of Meru to address the situation. Where the circumstances require review or further intervention by the Ministry or the Government, we will take the necessary action,” he said.
He urged residents in the affected areas to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and work with security agencies to prevent further loss of livelihoods and lives.
