Wajir stadium construction in high gear ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations

Preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations are gathering pace as the government intensifies efforts to ensure key infrastructure and logistics are in place ahead of the June 1 national event.

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo on Thursday led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inaugural inspection tour of the stadium under construction in Wajir County, which will host the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations.

Dr. Omollo was accompanied by Defence PS Dr. Patrick Mariru and Aviation and Aerospace Development PS Teresia Mbaika during the visit, which marked the start of a crucial phase in preparations for the national fete.

The delegation inspected ongoing construction works at the 10,000-capacity Wajir Stadium and received briefings from contractors, engineers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) on the progress of the project, timelines for completion and the logistical plans needed to bring the facility to the required national standard.

According to Dr. Omollo, the stadium is currently about 10 percent complete, with contractors expected to work around the clock to ensure the project is substantially finished by the first week of May.

“Hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to equitable national inclusion. Every Kenyan, in every corner of this country, deserves to feel that they are part of our shared national story,” said the PS.

Beyond the stadium, the government is also undertaking improvements at Wajir International Airport, including upgrades to the terminal building, taxiway and runway, to enhance efficiency and ease access into and out of the county ahead of the celebrations.

The steering committee also inspected the County Commissioner’s residence, which is set to be refurbished ahead of the State luncheon expected to be hosted by the President during the celebrations.

Dr. Omollo noted that the decision to host the event in Wajir is part of the national government’s policy of rotating major national celebrations across different regions to promote inclusivity and shared participation in Kenya’s development milestones.

He added that the investments being made in infrastructure and public facilities are expected to leave a lasting impact in Wajir County and the wider North Eastern region through improved amenities, employment opportunities and increased national visibility.

The PS further emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination, calling on national and county government stakeholders, security agencies and implementing ministries to work closely to ensure preparations are completed within the set timelines.

He assured that comprehensive security arrangements and logistical plans will be deployed to guarantee the safety and comfort of all attendees expected to converge in Wajir for the national event.

Madaraka Day commemorates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-governance on June 1, 1963, a key milestone on the country’s journey to full independence.

Thousands of Kenyans, government officials and dignitaries are expected to attend the celebrations in Wajir County, which will also showcase the cultural heritage of the North Eastern region while highlighting the government’s development agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Dr. Omollo said the government will continue to monitor progress through follow-up inspections, technical reviews and coordination meetings to ensure all preparations are completed well ahead of the national celebrations.