WAJIR, Kenya – Preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations have entered a critical phase, with the government assuring Kenyans that the main venue in Wajir will be ready in time for the national event on June 1.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Thursday led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inspection tour of the stadium under construction in Wajir town, which will host the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations.
He was accompanied by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika.
During the visit, the team assessed the progress of construction works at the 10,000-capacity facility and received technical briefings from contractors, engineers and National Government Administrative Officers on timelines and logistical plans needed to meet the standards required for a national celebration.
Speaking at the site, Dr Omollo said the project was currently at about 10 percent completion but contractors had been instructed to work round the clock to ensure the stadium is ready ahead of the celebrations.
“The stadium is currently at about 10 percent completion, and we expect substantial completion by the first week of May as we get ready for the Madaraka Day celebrations,” he said.
He described the decision to host the event in Wajir as part of the government’s commitment to equitable national development and inclusion.
“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,” he said.
Airport upgrade underway
The PS also highlighted ongoing improvements at Wajir International Airport, including expansion and rehabilitation works on the terminal building, taxiway and runway to facilitate easier movement into and out of the county during the celebrations.
The government says the infrastructure upgrades are expected to improve connectivity and leave a lasting development footprint in the region.
Rotating national celebrations
The 2026 event will mark the first time the national celebrations are being held in Wajir, part of the government’s policy of rotating key national events across different regions to promote inclusivity.
Madaraka Day commemorates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule on June 1, 1963, a key milestone on the country’s path to full independence.
According to Dr Omollo, hosting the celebrations in Wajir is expected to accelerate infrastructure development in the wider North Eastern region while boosting the local economy through job creation and improved public amenities.
Security and logistics
The delegation also inspected the County Commissioner’s residence, which will undergo refurbishment ahead of the traditional State luncheon hosted by President William Ruto on Madaraka Day.
Omollo emphasized the need for strong inter-agency coordination among national and county government officials, security agencies and implementing ministries to ensure all preparations are completed within set timelines.
He assured Kenyans that robust security and logistical arrangements would be put in place to guarantee the safety and comfort of all participants.
The PS added that the celebrations will also provide a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North Eastern region while advancing the government’s development agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The national event is expected to attract senior government officials, dignitaries and thousands of Kenyans from across the country to Wajir County.
