Omollo said the stadium, whose construction began during the late President Mwai Kibaki’s administration and remained unfinished under President Uhuru Kenyatta, was nearing completion under President William Ruto’s government.
Speaking ahead of the national celebrations hosted jointly by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties, the PS said the facility would provide opportunities beyond athletics, including business spaces, conference facilities and digital hubs for young people.
The project is also expected to be supported by complementary infrastructure, including roads, electricity and water, which Omollo said would benefit residents.
The stadium’s progress comes as the North Rift prepares to host national celebrations for the first time under Ruto’s presidency, bringing national attention to a region known for producing some of Kenya’s leading athletes.
Omollo said the three counties had joined hands to host the celebrations, describing the occasion as an opportunity to recognise the region’s contribution to the country’s sporting heritage.
He cited legendary athlete Kipchoge Keino, whose achievements helped establish Kenya’s reputation in international athletics, saying the recognition of national heroes would also inspire young people.
“Beyond athletes, many other individuals have also contributed significantly and have now reached a level where we call them heroes,” he said, adding that honouring them would help young people understand the significance of national service and achievement.
The PS said the main celebration venue had a capacity of 15,000 people, with security teams and regional administrators from the three counties coordinating preparations to manage the expected turnout.
Infrastructure and security
Omollo linked the stadium project to the government’s wider infrastructure development programme, citing similar investments in Wajir, Kirigiti, Bomet and Homa Bay.
He also highlighted the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers and the construction of classrooms, saying the measures were intended to address gaps in education, including in previously underserved regions.
On security, the PS said government interventions had reduced banditry by more than 80 per cent in the North Rift, particularly in areas of Elgeyo Marakwet that had experienced cattle rustling and banditry.
He said insecurity had previously forced schools to close and disrupted children’s education, but that improved security operations and cooperation with local communities had helped restore stability.
“Through firm government action, we have successfully restored order, reducing banditry by over 80 per cent and reopening schools like Chebera so students can safely return to their studies,” Omollo said.
He attributed the progress to intelligence sharing, community policing and cooperation between security agencies and local leaders.
The PS added that the government had recruited more than 21,000 police officers within three years as part of efforts to strengthen security across the country.
Call for peaceful elections
Omollo also called for peaceful political competition ahead of the next general election, warning against the perception that losing an election amounts to losing access to government services and development.
He said Kenya had historically experienced conflict during election periods partly because political competition was treated as a struggle for survival, with communities fearing that losing power would leave them marginalised.
The PS said government development programmes should benefit all regions regardless of political affiliation, adding that Kenyans should be free to support or oppose the government without intimidation.
“Ensuring peace and upholding the rule of law guarantees that citizens can exercise their constitutional franchise freely and without intimidation,” he said.
He further urged political leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements, warning that constitutional bodies and the judiciary had the authority to hold those who engage in incitement accountable.
On the use of criminal gangs during political activities, Omollo said nearly 2,000 youths had been arrested and taken to court over the preceding two weeks following investigations into the activities of such groups.
He said about 30 per cent of the cases had resulted in legal action, another 30 per cent remained before the courts, while others were still under investigation.
The PS called for cooperation among the executive, judiciary and the public to address the problem, expressing concern that low fines imposed in some cases could undermine efforts to deter criminal activity.
Government services and examinations
Omollo said the government was also working to address historical disparities in access to national identity cards, particularly among residents of border counties who had faced difficulties obtaining the documents.
He said every Kenyan should be able to access an ID through the established legal framework, noting that the document was important for identifying citizens, determining population needs and planning public services.
He maintained that non-Kenyans seeking citizenship must undergo the legally prescribed application and vetting processes before receiving Kenyan identification documents.
The PS also said the Ministries of Interior and Education had coordinated security preparations ahead of national examinations, with police officers and national government administrative officers expected to ensure examination materials reached schools on time.
He said contingency measures had been put in place to address possible disruptions caused by adverse weather, including concerns associated with El Niño.
Omollo expressed confidence that the examinations would proceed securely, with emergency response arrangements intended to prevent students from missing their papers.
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