WAJIR, Kenya — The government has intensified preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County, with the main stadium reaching 28 per cent completion as officials push for accelerated works ahead of the June 1 national event.
The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, on Thursday led an inspection tour of key projects, expressing cautious optimism while warning that timelines must now be met with urgency.
“We are satisfied with the progress made so far, but we must now move with greater speed to ensure that all works are completed within the set timelines. This is a national event, and it must be delivered to the highest standards,” Omollo said.
The PS, who also chairs the National Celebrations Steering Committee, said the government had deployed a coordinated multi-agency approach to oversee preparations, with teams working round the clock to meet strict milestones.
“We have brought together all relevant agencies under one coordinated framework to ensure seamless delivery. Every aspect of these preparations is being closely monitored to guarantee quality, safety, and timely completion,” he added.
Beyond the stadium, the government is undertaking broader infrastructure upgrades expected to support the influx of guests and dignitaries. These include expansion works at Wajir International Airport, rehabilitation of access roads, enhanced security systems, and improvements in accommodation capacity.
Omollo stressed that the scope of preparation reflects the scale and significance of hosting a national celebration, noting that logistical readiness must match ceremonial expectations.
“The preparations go beyond the stadium. We are equally focused on critical infrastructure such as the airport, road networks, security systems, and accommodation to ensure that Wajir is fully ready to host the nation,” he said.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno, and Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura were among the leaders present during the inspection.
The event forms part of a broader government policy to rotate national celebrations across different regions, a move officials say promotes inclusivity, national unity, and equitable development.
“Taking national celebrations across the country is a deliberate policy to foster unity and ensure that every region benefits from national development. What we are seeing in Wajir is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” Omollo noted.
The rotational approach has, in recent years, seen national holidays hosted outside Nairobi, triggering infrastructure investments in host counties.
However, the tight construction timelines present a significant test for implementing agencies, especially given the logistical challenges often associated with large-scale projects in remote areas. Delays could place pressure on organisers to deliver a seamless national event within weeks.
Despite these concerns, Omollo expressed confidence that all works would be completed ahead of schedule and called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers.
“We are confident that Wajir will be ready. I want to invite all Kenyans to join us here on June 1 as we celebrate Madaraka Day together as one united nation,” he said.
