President William Ruto has announced that this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held in Eldoret City, ending earlier plans to stage the national event at Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The President made the announcement after meeting leaders from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties at State House on Monday. He said the three counties will jointly host the celebrations and urged leaders to involve all stakeholders in the preparations.
“This evening, I hosted leaders from Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties to discuss the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations to be co-hosted by the three counties in Eldoret City,” Ruto said.
The latest announcement comes just two months after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Kamariny Stadium would host the October 20 event. At the time, he expressed confidence that the long delayed stadium would be ready in time.
The change has now been linked to delays in completing the stadium. Government officials say construction at Kamariny is behind schedule, making it difficult to prepare the venue before Mashujaa Day.
Murkomen has, however, dismissed fears that the project has been abandoned. He said construction will continue as planned and insisted moving the celebrations to Eldoret will not affect the government’s commitment to completing the stadium.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed the decision, saying the county is ready to host Kenyans from across the country.
“Hosting Mashujaa Day is a great honour for Uasin Gishu. We are prepared to welcome Kenyans from across the country,” Bii said.
Kamariny Stadium has been under construction for years after the project stalled several times following contractor changes and other setbacks. The facility is expected to become one of the region’s major sporting venues once completed.