Preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County are done, with government officials projecting attendance of up to 10,000 people at the newly constructed stadium that will host the national event for the first time in the North Eastern region.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said key infrastructure projects linked to the celebrations are nearly complete, while security arrangements have been enhanced ahead of President William Ruto’s attendance.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing works, Omollo said the President was already in the region reviewing development projects, including last-mile electricity connectivity initiatives, and was expected to engage local leaders ahead of the national celebrations.
“We are almost ready for Madaraka Day celebrations. The President is already in the county inspecting key projects and engaging leaders as part of his broader development tour of Northern Kenya,” said Omollo.
The PS said security preparations had been strengthened through improved infrastructure and close collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
He urged residents to turn out in large numbers and use the celebrations to showcase the region to the rest of the country.
Officials said activities at the venue will begin earlier than usual due to the extreme weather conditions in Wajir, with all guests expected to be seated by 7:00 a.m. before the President’s arrival. The programme is expected to conclude by midday to allow residents to attend prayers and other community activities.
The stadium, which is being prepared under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is expected to accommodate approximately 10,000 attendees.
According to government officials, remaining works at the facility will continue after Madaraka Day and are expected to be completed within a month.
Beyond the stadium, authorities are working with the county government on complementary infrastructure projects, including relocation of affected residents, upgrading sections of the town’s ring road and improving water access through a newly drilled borehole that will serve surrounding communities.
Local leaders hailed the ongoing developments, describing them as transformative investments that have changed perceptions about the region’s place in national development.
Wajir West MP Adan Keynan said hosting the celebrations marked a historic moment for the county and the wider North Eastern region.
“We see the beautiful building of this stadium, this is History. We see people have started coming here as tourists, students are happy, residents are happy, and we, the leaders, are also happy,” said Keynan.
He added: “When the history of our country is written, the legacy of our country and your time as president will go down in history. Our country needs justice without bias, equal development, and constitutional governance without recognising people based on their ethnic or religious background or the place they come from.”
Keynan said many of the projects currently underway were once considered impossible in the largely pastoralist county.
“I am happy to be here with the residents of Wajir today. We have seen history being written and witnessed developments that were once only a dream to us, things we never thought would happen. I would like to thank the President for heeding our call as leaders of Wajir County. Since Independence, there were things we believed would never happen in this pastoralist region, but by the grace of God and under the leadership of this government led by His Excellency President William Ruto, we have witnessed remarkable change,” he said.
Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh also welcomed the President’s visit, saying residents were witnessing the benefits of government investment in the region.
“In the past, we used to say we were traveling to Kenya whenever we went to Nairobi because we didn’t see the fruits of independence, but today, we are witnessing real development right here with new tarmac, lighting, and a beautiful stadium,” said the senator.
He urged residents across Northern Kenya to participate in the celebrations and receive the President warmly.
“I urge the people of Wajir and Northern Kenya to come out and welcome the President, who has proven to be a true friend by visiting us multiple times since 2013.”
The senator said the President’s decision to bring national celebrations to Wajir demonstrated a shift towards inclusive development.
“Instead of us traveling long distances to access the leadership as we did in previous eras, the President has come directly to our home, rewriting history and ensuring we have an equal right to enjoy national progress.”
He also reiterated his political support for the President ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Personally, my people and I fully support two terms for President Ruto. While some face hostility for this stance, I remind everyone that you can kill a person, but you cannot kill their ideas; we must respect people’s choices. Thank you, and welcome to Wajir, Mr. President.”
This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations are expected to place Wajir in the national spotlight while showcasing ongoing government investments in infrastructure, connectivity, water access and urban development across Northern Kenya.
Read:Â Wajir Set for Economic Boost as State Upgrades Roads Ahead of Madaraka Day
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