Residents of Homa Bay County were excited as the County hosted the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the newly completed Raila Odinga Stadium on June 1, 2025.
The national event on June 1st, marks a historic moment for the county, which is hosting the national celebration for the first time. Locals say they have never witnessed anything like this before.
On the night of May 31st, thousands of Kenyans from across the country flooded the Raila Odinga Stadium. By 10 PM, the 12,000-seat capacity venue was already filled.
The massive turn up for the national event has been seen as a show of national unity.
In preparation for the celebrations, significant infrastructure developments have been undertaken in the county.
Most notably, the government announced a Ksh 1.5 billion investment in modern fish landing sites, a vital economic pillar for the lakeside county. This development aligns closely with the livelihoods of many local families, sparking high hopes for long-term economic benefits.
The newly built Raila Odinga Stadium costed Ksh 500 million and it stands as a symbol of progress and pride for the region. Many residents believe that the attention brought by Madaraka Day will attract more government investment and elevate the county’s national profile.
Meanwhile, Kenyans across the country are eager to witness the celebrations, not only for the ceremony but also for the promise of lasting development. For the people of Homa Bay, this Madaraka Day is more than a holiday, it is a defining moment in their history.
