ELDORET, Kenya – Road improvement works in Eldoret have reached 82.2 per cent completion as the government intensifies preparations for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for Tuesday, October 20.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said projects in Iten had attained 76 per cent completion following an inspection tour by a multi-agency team assessing infrastructure upgrades in towns across the region.
In an update shared on Saturday, October 17, Chirchir said the team inspected urban road projects funded by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) in Eldoret, Iten, Kapsabet, Nandi Hills and Kapsowar.
The projects cover a combined 22.9 kilometres and are intended to ease traffic movement, improve accessibility and upgrade infrastructure in the five towns.
“Mashujaa Day readiness is taking shape!” Chirchir said, describing the inspection as part of efforts to prepare the towns to host the national celebrations.
Eldoret Races To Complete Mashujaa Day Preparations
The inspection comes as Eldoret enters the final phase of preparations to host the national ceremony at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, with Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties jointly hosting the event for the first time.
Beyond roadworks, the government has been upgrading streets and public amenities in Eldoret, while security agencies have conducted parade rehearsals at the stadium ahead of the celebrations.
The infrastructure improvements are expected to support movement around the host towns as visitors, national leaders and invited guests arrive for the event.
Security, Sports And Economy Feature In Celebrations
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are being held under the theme of security, sports and the economy.
A thematic week running from October 13 to 18 is taking place at Eldoret National Polytechnic, with exhibitions showcasing government initiatives, security services, sports development and economic activities.
Sports competitions involving the three host counties are also part of the programme.
Elgeyo-Marakwet is hosting the marathon finals, Nandi the volleyball finals, while Uasin Gishu is hosting football activities. The tournament has a reported prize purse of Sh63 million.
The activities are intended to highlight the region’s sporting talent while bringing communities together ahead of the national ceremony.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium Upgrade Under Inspection
The main Mashujaa Day ceremony will be held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium on October 20, bringing together national leaders, invited guests and members of the public to honour Kenyans who have contributed to the country’s independence and development.
The government has intensified inspections of the stadium as contractors work to complete key sections of the facility ahead of the event.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru conducted an inspection on Monday, October 12, accompanied by Brigadier Titus Sokobe, the Chief in charge of Special Projects at Defence Headquarters, to assess progress on the ongoing upgrade.
In a statement shared on X, Mariru said the visit was part of continued government efforts to monitor construction ahead of the celebrations.
“My fourth inspection visit today was at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, accompanied by the Chief in charge of Special Projects at Defence Headquarters, Brigadier Titus Sokobe, to assess the progress of the ongoing upgrade,” Mariru said.
With the celebrations approaching, road upgrades, stadium works, security preparations and public activities remain central to the government’s efforts to prepare Eldoret and the neighbouring counties for the national event.
