Editor's Review
Preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations have intensified in Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties ahead of the event scheduled for October 20.
Preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations have intensified in Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties ahead of the national event scheduled for October 20.
In a statement on Friday, September 25, the celebrations will be hosted across the three counties for the first time from October 13 to 18.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who chairs the celebrations’ Steering Committee, said preparations were progressing despite the considerable amount of work remaining.
"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," he said.
Read More
Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which will host the main Mashujaa Day celebrations, is currently 68 per cent complete and has a seating capacity of 15,043.
Other facilities being prepared for the celebrations include Kapsabet Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,000 and is 45.4 per cent complete, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, which has a similar 10,000-seat capacity and is 58 per cent complete.
Construction and improvement works at the three stadiums are being undertaken by the Ministry of Sports with support and supervision from the Ministry of Defence.
Beyond the stadiums, authorities are also working on roads in Eldoret City, Kapsabet and Iten, as well as improving water connectivity and other infrastructure ahead of the celebrations.
Omollo commended the county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu for supporting the preparations and thanked Governors, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies and other leaders for their cooperation since the decision to spread the celebrations across the three counties was made.
He also called on residents to prepare to host Kenyans from different parts of the country alongside visiting dignitaries expected to attend the celebrations with President William Ruto.
Omollo said the event would offer the three counties an opportunity to highlight their contribution to sports, security and the economy.
Elsewhere, the upgrading of the 33-kilometre Shamakhokho-Kaimosi-Mpaka-Museno Road to bitumen standard has entered the tarmacing stage.
In an update on Friday, September 25, Omollo said road infrastructure plays an important role in connecting communities to economic opportunities and essential services.
"Road infrastructure is one of the clearest expressions of inclusive development because it connects people, places and opportunities while opening communities to markets and essential services," he wrote.
Omollo said the ongoing road works were advancing the government's objective of strengthening connectivity between the two counties.
"The ongoing upgrading of the 33-kilometre Shamakhokho-Kaimosi-Mpaka-Museno Road to bitumen standard is advancing this objective, strengthening the link between Vihiga and Kakamega counties," he added.
According to Omollo, once completed, the road will provide a reliable connection between the A1 Kisumu-Kakamega Highway and the B128.
The corridor serves residents and businesses in Hamisi, Sabatia, Shinyalu and Ikolomani constituencies.
It is also expected to improve access to key institutions in the area, including Kaimosi Friends University and Kaimosi Polytechnic.
The road is expected to support agricultural activity in the region by improving the movement of farm produce, while also benefiting traders and motorists who rely on the corridor.
"The improved road will ease movement of agricultural produce, particularly tea, support small businesses, reduce vehicle maintenance costs and provide reliable all-weather access across the region," he concluded.
