Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo says the Government of Kenya invested more than KSh2 billion in infrastructure and public works projects in Wajir County ahead of the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, which are being hosted in the county for the first time.
According to Dr. Omollo, the investments included road construction and rehabilitation, stadium development, airport upgrades, public facility refurbishment, drainage improvements, and street lighting projects aimed at preparing Wajir to host the national event.
He noted that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority implemented six road projects at a cost of approximately KSh1.9 billion, covering 25.1 kilometres of roads within and around Wajir town. The projects included key routes linking Wajir Stadium, the airport, government offices, residential areas, and the Wajir County Aggregated Industrial Park.
Among the completed projects were the Furaha Girls–Wajir Stadium Road, the A2–Manyalo Junction and Stadium Ring Road, access roads to the County Commissioner’s residence, affordable housing units, the County Police Commander’s offices, Wajir Museum, and Police Quarters. A 9-kilometre road connecting Wajir Airport, Basabra, Furaha School, and Wajir Stadium was also upgraded.
Dr. Omollo further stated that the government undertook drainage enhancement works along the B13 Miyale Road to address flooding challenges in Wajir town’s central business district and improve access to the county assembly.
He added that the government constructed a new 10,000-seat Wajir Stadium comprising a VIP pavilion, football pitch, athletics track, and parking facilities, which served as the main venue for the Madaraka Day celebrations.
At Wajir Airport, the government rehabilitated the 1.2-kilometre runway and upgraded the access road to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of visitors attending the celebrations, according to the Principal Secretary.
Other projects highlighted by Dr. Omollo include the refurbishment of the Wajir County Commissioner’s residence, installation of CCTV systems, construction of a perimeter wall, landscaping works, and the installation of street lighting across sections of Wajir town.
He said the projects created employment opportunities for more than 700 workers during implementation and are expected to continue benefiting residents by improving transport infrastructure, public amenities, trade, and access to government services.
Dr. Omollo, who also chairs the National Celebrations Steering Committee, said the investments demonstrate the government’s approach of using national celebrations to support infrastructure development in host counties.
