NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto arrived at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Sunday to lead the nation in Madaraka Day celebrations, using the moment to spotlight Kenya’s untapped blue economy.
Flanked by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, Ruto was greeted by a sea of citizens who had already filled the stadium, rallying behind this year’s theme: “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for National Prosperity.”
In a move that underscores Kenya’s expanding global ties, Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar joined as chief guest, marking a symbolic moment in the country’s deepening foreign relations.
And yes, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is also in the mix—his presence at a stadium named in his honor lending a rare unity moment on this historic day.
Madaraka Day, celebrated every June 1, marks Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a platform for not just patriotic reflection but major political messaging.
This year, Ruto is doubling down on a forward-looking agenda centered around the blue economy—a term that covers everything from lake transport to fishing and sustainable water resource use.
And Homa Bay is the perfect backdrop for that message.
In the days leading up to the national celebration, the President launched a string of development projects aimed squarely at boosting the region’s economic engine and correcting years of infrastructural neglect.
Meanwhile, the presence of Slovenia’s President isn’t just ceremonial. Musar is in Kenya for a three-day state visit, during which she’s expected to ink deals, strengthen economic ties, and explore partnerships in climate science and digital innovation.
Her invitation to the Madaraka Day celebrations underscores how Kenya is using national milestones not only for reflection but also for strategic diplomacy.
And in classic Madaraka Day fashion, today’s program includes military parades, cultural displays, and speeches celebrating Kenya’s journey—from colonial rule to a future increasingly shaped by technology, innovation, and global collaboration.
