Wajir County is set to host its first major national event venue since independence, with the construction of the ultra-modern Wajir Stadium now reaching 84 per cent completion ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the project marks a historic transformation for the North Eastern region, noting that Wajir has lacked a proper stadium for more than six decades, forcing residents to rely on open grounds such as Wajir Baraza Park for public gatherings and sporting activities.
“Since independence, Wajir has never had a stadium. Sixty-two years later, under the leadership of President William Ruto, the town is witnessing a transformative shift,” Omollo said in a statement.
The government is racing to complete the facility before June 1, when Kenya will mark Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir for the first time, in what is expected to be a significant national spotlight for the region.
The 10,000-seater stadium is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with works already in advanced stages to allow enough time for rehearsals and final preparations for the national event.
According to Omollo, the facility will feature a full-sized football pitch designed for artificial turf installation, a standard eight-lane athletics track, VIP lounges, changing rooms, terrace seating, spectator amenities and ample parking space.
Seat installation works are currently ongoing, while a borehole has also been developed to guarantee reliable water supply for operations at the stadium.
Beyond hosting Madaraka Day celebrations, the government says the stadium is expected to serve as a long-term investment in sports development, youth empowerment and economic growth in the North Eastern region.
The project is also expected to stimulate small businesses and create opportunities for local talent through sports and community events.
“The investment will unlock significant benefits for Wajir and the wider North Eastern Region by fostering social cohesion and providing a platform for talent development,” Omollo said.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is coordinating the multi-agency implementation process and will continue overseeing security and maintenance of the facility after completion.
Wajir becomes the latest county to benefit from the government’s push to expand sports infrastructure across the country as Kenya prepares for regional and continental sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Read: Madaraka Day Preparations in Wajir 84% Complete
>>> Wajir Set to Host Historic Madaraka Day as Preparations Near Completion
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