ELDORET, Kenya – Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has cited improved security in the North Rift, investments in sports infrastructure and greater economic stability as key achievements of President William Ruto’s administration ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret.
Omollo said the national celebrations would provide an opportunity for the government to showcase its development record, highlighting progress in security, sports and the economy.
He argued that no part of the country had been left out of Ruto’s development agenda and that the economy was performing better than it was when the administration took office four years ago.
Omollo spoke at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, where government departments are showcasing their work during the Mashujaa Day thematic week.
He was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat and Administration Police counterpart Gilbert Masengeli, among other officials.
Government Cites Recovery Of More Than 3,000 Illegal Guns
On security, Omollo said the government had made progress in restoring peace in parts of the North Rift that have endured years of banditry and insecurity, particularly in the Kerio Valley region.
He said security agencies had recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms in areas affected by banditry, helping residents resume economic activities that had been disrupted by violence.
“We now have all schools operating in areas that were affected by banditry, and that has helped to revive many other economic programmes,” Omollo said.
The reopening of schools and the resumption of economic activities are among the indicators cited by the government to demonstrate improved security in previously affected communities.
Omollo also pointed to reforms in the security sector, including salary increases for police and other security officers.
He said the lowest-paid officers had received salary increases of more than 40 per cent over the past three years, presenting the changes as part of the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of security personnel.
“With all these achievements, we have reason to celebrate, and that is why we are using Mashujaa Day to showcase them,” the PS said.
Stadium Projects Take Centre Stage In Mashujaa Day Preparations
Sports infrastructure is another focus of the celebrations, with the government highlighting investments in Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet.
Omollo said the projects reflected the administration’s commitment to expanding sports facilities in the North Rift and other parts of the country.
He said Kipchoge Keino Stadium would be 85 per cent complete by Saturday as preparations intensified for the national celebrations, which will be co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The investments are expected to strengthen sports infrastructure in a region known for producing internationally recognised athletes.
Omollo Says Economy Is More Stable Under Ruto
On the economy, Omollo said the administration had inherited high inflation and difficult economic conditions but had since achieved greater stability and faster economic expansion.
The remarks form part of the government’s broader effort to demonstrate progress across key sectors ahead of the next election cycle.
The government’s economic claims will therefore be measured not only against national statistics but also against how households experience changes in their daily lives.
Mashujaa Day Offers Ruto Administration A Platform To Defend Its Record
The Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret provide the Ruto administration with an opportunity to present its record on security, sports and economic management.
The government points to the recovery of illegal firearms, the reopening of schools in areas previously affected by banditry and investments in stadiums as evidence of progress in the North Rift.
As the country marks Mashujaa Day, residents will ultimately assess the government’s record against the tangible changes they experience in their communities and households.
