Nyeri to host National Madaraka day celebrations

President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead Kenyans in celebrating this year’s Madaraka Day at Kabiruini ground.

The National Celebrations Organising Committee settled on the grounds outside Nyeri town Tuesday and is now planning to give it a facelift ahead of the celebrations on June 1.

Committee chairman Bare Mohammed led an inspection tour of Kabiruini Tuesday.

“The team toured Ruringu Stadium but left after a few minutes for Kabiruini grounds, where we inspected the vast field and facilities,” said Mr Mohammed.

“After careful consultations between the committee and representatives of the county government, we have made a decision that this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be held at Kabiruini.” He said the grounds would be renovated to meet the required standards.

“We came to Nyeri with various options but we have settled on this area because it has adequate space and will require only a facelift to meet the team’s specifications.”

He said they rejected Ruringu, which has historical significance, because it did not meet the required security standards.

“Ruringu Stadium is not suitable for the event. According to the military representatives on the committee, there are tall buildings located nearby and this is not acceptable,” said Mohammed.

Central Regional Co-ordinator Naftaly Mung’athia assured Kenyans that the national government would make adequate security arrangements for the venue on Madaraka Day.

“It is a great honour for Nyeri County, which is the headquarters for Central Kenya, to be selected to host the national celebrations,” he said.

County Secretary Alice Wachira said the event would benefit the county economically by boosting domestic tourism while highlighting Nyeri’s contribution to the freedom struggle. “Nyeri is home to the Mau Mau struggle that led to independence. This is an opportunity to remember those who sacrificed for independence,” she said.