Wajir stadium is 10 per cent complete ahead of Madaraka Day fete - PS Omollo

In a statement, the PS visited the site on Thursday alongside fellow PSs Patrick Mariru (Defence) and Teresia Mbaika (Aviation and Aerospace Development) as part of the National Celebrations Steering Committee’s inaugural inspection of the venue.

The national celebrations will be hosted in Wajir County for the first time, in what the government says is part of a broader strategy to rotate major national events across different regions of the country.

During the visit, the team inspected the ongoing construction works at the 10,000-capacity Wajir Stadium in Wajir town and received technical briefings from contractors, engineers and senior National Government Administrative Officers on the status of the project.

According to Omollo, the stadium is currently about 10 per cent complete, with contractors expected to accelerate construction to ensure it is ready in time for 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," Omollo stated. 

"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." 

Beyond the stadium, the government is also undertaking several infrastructure upgrades in the region, including expansion and rehabilitation works at Wajir International Airport.

The works involve improvements to the terminal building, taxiway and runway to enhance efficiency and ease travel to and from the county during the national event.

Omollo noted that hosting the national celebration in Wajir is expected to spur development in the wider North Eastern region while also showcasing the area’s cultural heritage.

The delegation also inspected the County Commissioner’s residence, which will be refurbished ahead of a State luncheon expected to be hosted by President William Ruto on Madaraka Day.

The PS emphasised the importance of coordination among government agencies, calling on national security agencies, implementing ministries, National Government Administrative Officers and the county government to work closely to ensure preparations remain on schedule.

"We will deploy robust security arrangements and comprehensive logistical plans to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants," Omollo stated.

Madaraka Day commemorates the day Kenya attained internal self-governance on June 1, 1963, a key milestone in the country’s journey toward full independence.