President William Ruto has hinted that this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations could be moved from Kiambu County to Taita Taveta if the new Vindo Stadium in Voi is completed on time.
Ruto made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, while issuing title deeds to residents in Taita Taveta County.
He said the stadium was expected to be ready before December 12, but left the final decision on hosting the national celebrations to residents.
“I was there last week during inspections, and I want to assure you that before December 12, the stadium will have been completed. If you want us to hold the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the venue, you will be the ones to decide,” Ruto said.
Jamhuri Day is celebrated every December 12 to mark Kenya’s independence and its transition into a republic.
Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963, and became a republic on December 12, 1964.
The President’s remarks come despite an earlier public circular issued by the Head of Public Service in April, which indicated that the 2026 Jamhuri Day celebrations would be held in Kiambu County.
It remains unclear whether the earlier plans have been changed.
Focus Shifts to Vindo Stadium
The possible change of venue now puts Vindo Stadium at the centre of preparations for this year’s celebrations.
The facility is being constructed at Vindo Show Ground in Voi on a 16-acre piece of land provided by the county government.
The stadium will have a capacity of 10,000 and will feature a CAF-standard football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, and VIP facilities among other amenities.
The project is being undertaken with the cooperation of the national government and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The Ruto-led administration had visited the construction site on September 26 as the government sought to complete the stadium before December.
Once the stadium is built as planned, Taita Taveta County can host the national Jamhuri Day celebrations for the first time.
Over the last few years, there have been national celebrations away from Nairobi City as the government relocates some of the national events to other parts of the nation.
The Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2025 have taken place at Nyayo Stadium, while those in 2024 have taken place at Uhuru Gardens, all in Nairobi.
Before Jamhuri Day, Kenya will celebrate Mazingira Day on October 10 and Mashujaa Day on October 20.
The Mashujaa Day celebrations in 2023 will take place at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Eldoret where the three counties of Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet will play hosts.
