How ready is Wajir County to host this year's Madaraka Day celebrations?

Preparations for the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County are underway, with the main stadium reported to be 28 per cent complete.

Internal Security and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo, who also chairs the Steering Committee on National Celebrations, has said preparations are gaining momentum after inspecting the facilities ahead of the June 1 event.

“We are satisfied with the progress made so far, but we must now move with greater speed to ensure that all works are completed within the set timelines. This is a national event, and it must be delivered to the highest standards,” he said.

President William Ruto announced in February that the government had allocated Sh900 million for the construction of a 10,000-seater modern stadium in Wajir to host the celebrations, the first time Madaraka Day will be held in the Northern Frontier.

Omollo said the government is coordinating several agencies to ensure timely delivery of the project, with close monitoring of all key milestones.

“We have brought together all relevant agencies under one coordinated framework to ensure seamless delivery. Every aspect of these preparations is being closely monitored to guarantee quality, safety, and timely completion,” he said.

He added that attention had also been given to supporting infrastructure, including the expansion of Wajir International Airport, road networks, security and accommodation facilities.

The PS also expressed confidence that preparations would be completed on time, reiterating the government’s decision to rotate national functions.

“Taking national celebrations across the country is a deliberate policy to foster unity and ensure that every region benefits from national development. What we are seeing in Wajir is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” he noted.

 “We are confident that Wajir will be ready.”

Last year’s Madaraka Day was held in Homa Bay County.

Madaraka Day, observed annually on June 1, marks Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963.