The Steering Committee on Mashujaa Day 2026 Celebrations led by The Interior and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo and his Immigration and Citizen Services Counterpart Dr. Belio Kipsang toured Uasin Gishu County to inspect the national celebrations venue Kipchoge Keino stadium and other high-priority projects including roads and ESP markets.

Speaking in a press briefing at Kipchoge Keion Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, after inspecting the ongoing construction works, PS Omolo said the preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations to be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties have entered a crucial phase, expressing confidence that the region will be ready to host the national event on October 20.

The celebrations, which will be co-hosted by the three counties for the first time, will feature activities centered on security, sports, finance and economic development, with various programmes lined up ahead of the main event.

The Interior PS noted that significant progress had been made in improving infrastructure and preparing venues in Eldoret, Kapsabet and Iten, the three towns that will play key roles in the celebrations.

The steering committee revealed that road improvement works were ongoing within Eldoret City, Kapsabet and Iten, alongside water connectivity and other infrastructure upgrades aimed at ensuring the three counties are ready to receive thousands of visitors expected to attend the celebrations.

“The main celebrations will be held at the Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret, where extensive rehabilitation and upgrading works are being undertaken by the Ministry of Sports with support and supervision from the Ministry of Defence,” said PS Omollo.

PS Omolo announced that the stadium was about 68 per cent complete and was expected to attain substantial completion by October 14, giving organizers adequate time to finalize preparations before the national celebrations.

Other activities, including rehearsal parades and preparations by entertainment teams, are also continuing as the country counts down to Mashujaa Day.

He further commended technical teams for working long hours to ensure that preparations remain on schedule, while acknowledging that some work was still outstanding.

“We still have quite a bit of work to be done, but I have no doubt on behalf of the steering committee that we will be ready,” he noted.

The three county governments have been commended for their continued support, with governors, members of Parliament, senators and members of the county assemblies from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet playing a role in coordinating preparations.

Residents of the three counties have also been urged to prepare to host the rest of the country and visiting dignitaries who will accompany President William Ruto during the celebrations.

The steering committee held that the event provides an opportunity for the three counties to showcase their potential in sports, security, culture and business, while exposing local enterprises and products to visitors from across the country.

The celebrations are also expected to provide an opportunity to highlight the region’s economic development and progress in addressing security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Rift.

The organizers said the co-hosting arrangement would bring national attention to the three counties and provide an opportunity for residents to showcase their cultural heritage and economic potential.

On security, the officials said the Government’s multi-agency approach had contributed to a significant reduction in incidents of banditry and cattle rustling in parts of the country.

They acknowledged recent security incidents in Samburu and neighbouring areas, saying security teams were on the ground working with local leadership in Samburu, Isiolo and parts of Meru to address emerging concerns.

The officials said cases requiring intervention by the Ministry of Interior and the national Government would be reviewed, while appealing to residents to cooperate with security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

They urged communities in the affected areas to promote peaceful coexistence to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.

The organizers emphasized that the Mashujaa Day celebrations would also provide an opportunity to showcase the security gains made in parts of the North Rift, including areas that have previously experienced banditry and cattle rustling.

They expressed confidence that the collaboration between the national Government, county governments, security agencies and other stakeholders would culminate in successful celebrations and provide a platform for the region to showcase its culture, sporting talent and economic opportunities.

by Ekuwam Sylvester and Jevvah Kiplimo