It's all system go for Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir

Kwale and Homa Bay held subsequent events with Kitui County hosting last year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.

“We are doing this as a government to open the country and also progress the unity conversation and we ensure everyone is part of this country,” he said.

Dr Omollo lauded the team that has put preparations in place to ensure that Wajir is ready to host the event despite lack of facilities at the beginning. 

“We have broken the record by putting up a stadium, a State lodge and improvement of the local road network,” he said.

As Kenyans gather at Wajir Stadium starting early in the morning, PS Omollo said the theme of celebration shall be “Education and skills development”.

For the past one week, the Ministry of Education has been holding several engagements in Wajir enlightening locals on the importance of education.

“This event is significant to this region because it is opening up this region challenged with insecurity and we have undertaken several projects to ensure we bring this region to the same level,” he said.

Dr Omollo revealed the government has spent about Sh4 billion in preparing for the event in Wajir.

While senior government officers were putting up final touches for the event, President William Ruto was in Habaswein, another corner of the county inspecting development projects.

On security, Dr Omolo said the government has invested in the security structure to ensure the event is successful.

“We are just not focusing on the event but we have ensured that the security of our country is guaranteed through engaging the communities and investing in the capacity of our security agencies,” he said.  

According to the PS, the country has experienced a stable security situation for quite some time.

The decision to regionalise national events, but for Jamhuri Day, was reached back in 2016 with the aim of incorporating all regions into the national pride to give them the sense of belonging.

Major developments

The government has initiated at least 30 heavy capital development projects with Wajir benefitting the most.

In Wajir, a 10,000-capacity stadium has been constructed in a record three months, giving the region the first international-standards sporting facility.

The region has never had a dedicated stadium since independence.

The 10,000-seater facility incorporates a full-sized football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, modern changing rooms, VIP lounges, spectator facilities, terraces with seating, ample parking and a borehole for water supply.

According to North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno, the Wajir stadium is constructed to international standards and is meant to host national and international events.

The stadium shall serve as a long-term sports development hub for Wajir and the wider North Eastern region, supporting local talent, boosting small businesses and strengthening community cohesion.

Ahead of Madaraka day celebration, Wajir town received a facelift courtesy of the national government including tarmac roads, street lighting and water supply.

Wajit town has been turned into a modern urban centre backed by the Wajir International Airport where renovations have also been done on the runways, apron and visitors check-in area enhancing operational efficiency and improving passengers’ experience.

With political pundits viewing President Ruto’s concentration on the northern Kenya region as a political bait ahead of 2027 general elections, locals say hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir is a landmark milestone for Wajir County and the northern Kenya region.

“This national event has brought national spotlight to a county and region historically marginalized. It now means we are included in national conversation from now onwards. We have seen national unity, and a deliberate focus on the area's development, education, and infrastructure,” Mr Hassan Ali Mude, a local, said.

Construction of seven markets is ongoing in the three counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera with the national government targeting at least 1,400 traders across the region.

“The modern markets are expected to provide decent fresh markets for more than 1,400 traders and provide employment during construction whereas the Jua Kali sector is to supply fabricated fittings earning them an income,” Mr Otieno, regional commissioner said.

Government is also building 2148 units under affordable housing projects in Wajir and Garissa.

The region has received a boost in road construction with the multi-billion horn of Africa gateway project expected to open the region.

While Mandera is yet to agree on the exact site for construction of an International Airport, Garissa and Wajir have had the airports expanded.

In Garissa, rehabilitation of the runway, taxiway, and apron at Garissa Airstrip is also underway and is in its final stages. The project includes extending the runway length from 1.2 km to 1.28 km.

The Mandera water and sewerage project worth Sh2 billion started in 2018 has faced challenges including insecurity and court battles by locals leaving locals thirstier with poor waste disposal plans.

According to the PS, the stadium shall be completed within a month under supervision of the KDF.

Without revealing which dignitaries shall be attending the event in Wajir, the PS said it remained a top secret maintaining that Kenya has plenty of dignitaries who can attend the event.

"We are expecting a number of dignitaries to come and I will not reveal them but Kenya hosts quite a number of senior people. WE have made all arrangements for them to comfortable here in Wajir," he said.

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