Kitui Set for Mashujaa Day as Ithookwe Stadium and Airstrip Signal Devolution Gains

Kitui County is abuzz with activity ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, as the completion of key infrastructure projects, the Ithookwe Stadium and the upgraded Kitui Airstrip, breathe new life into the region’s development and connectivity.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who toured the county ahead of the celebrations, said the milestones reflect the enduring dream of devolution that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga championed and which continues to guide the government’s efforts to bridge economic disparities across the country.

“Devolution, one of the enduring dreams that the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga so passionately championed, continues to take shape through projects that knit our counties closer together,” Omollo said. “Guided by this vision, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto has remained steadfast in his commitment to strengthening inter-county connectivity and expanding economic frontiers across the nation.”

The PS noted that the completion of the Kitui Airstrip marks a major step in boosting mobility, trade, and tourism within the Eastern region and beyond.

“With improved access to markets and faster movement of people and goods, local enterprises are poised for growth, while Kitui’s hospitality and service industries anticipate a fresh wave of opportunity,” he added.

The airstrip, located a few kilometres from Kitui town, has been rehabilitated to accommodate light aircraft, allowing direct access to the county by dignitaries, investors, and tourists. The project is part of the government’s wider plan to open up remote regions through improved transport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium, the venue for the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations, has been hailed as a major symbol of devolution in action. Once an old showground, the stadium has been transformed into a modern sports and events complex complete with terraces, VIP lounges, and upgraded access roads.

PS Omollo, who inspected the facility alongside county officials, said the stadium will serve as a legacy project for the people of Kitui and a lasting testament to the power of devolved development. “As we honour our heroes and celebrate the spirit of devolution that unites our nation, we warmly welcome all Kenyans to Kitui for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Sports and the Kitui County Government, the stadium will not only host national events but will also serve as a hub for sports training, cultural festivals, and youth empowerment programs.

Local traders have welcomed the infrastructure boom, saying it has injected optimism into the county’s economy. Hotels, transport operators, and small businesses expect brisk activity as visitors stream in for the national holiday.

With the Ithookwe Stadium ready and the airstrip operational, Kitui is set to take its place on the national stage, not just as the host of Mashujaa Day 2025, but as a model of how devolution can transform counties through tangible, people-centred development.

Read: CS Mutua: Kitui Set for Mashujaa Day

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