Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo on Thursday, May 15 led the National Celebrations Steering Committee to inspect ongoing preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
The visit took place at Raila Odinga Stadium, which is the official venue for the national event set to be held in Homa Bay County.
This year’s Madaraka Day will focus on the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs will feature a three-day conference. Day one will be opened by the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, followed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, on day two, and concluded by President William Ruto, on day three. The forum will engage lake basin communities, beach management units, development partners, and the business community.
Significant progress has been made at Raila Odinga Stadium, now a 12,000-seater facility, following joint efforts by the county and national governments.
Additional infrastructural upgrades are underway across Homa Bay. KURA and KeRRA are preparing to commence works on two major roads leading into the town, with contracts expected to be finalized by week’s end.
Kenya Airports Authority has upgraded Kabunde Airstrip for the event, with continued works on the apron and upcoming terminal building. Kenya Power has advanced street lighting installations, and the county government is improving water access to key venues and residential areas.
Dr. Omollo applauded the collaboration between national agencies and the county government, noting, “The most strategic parts of what Kenya is doing will be ready ahead of Madaraka Day.”
He extended gratitude to the residents of Homa Bay, with special recognition of George Kaluma, MP for Homa Bay Town, for his support during the infrastructure rollout. “We are inviting and encouraging everyone from Homa Bay and across the country to be part of these historic celebrations,” Dr. Omollo said.
Dr. Omollo was joined by senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya; Homa Bay Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga;PS Umi Bashir (Culture), PS Elijah Mwangi (Sports), PS Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy), Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura; and Mr. Dennis Itumbi, who heads the thematic coordination of national celebrations. Also in attendance were Regional Commissioner Madam Flora Mworoa, County Commissioner Mr. Moses Lilan, as well as security, intelligence, and technical teams from relevant ministries and agencies.
