The national government has moved this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations from Elgeyo Marakwet to Eldoret, ending earlier plans to stage the October 20 event at Kamariny Stadium in Iten.
Officials said the venue was changed because Iten lacked the infrastructure and facilities required to host a national celebration of that scale.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed the decision, describing it as an honour for the county of champions and recognition of its growing national profile.
Bii said hosting the October 20 celebrations would give the county an opportunity to showcase its readiness, hospitality and capacity to stage an event of national significance.
He spoke during the swearing-in of members of the Uasin Gishu county Public Service Board.
“Hosting Mashujaa Day is a great honour for Uasin Gishu. It is a moment that brings together our shared values of patriotism, unity and service to our nation,” Bii said.
“We are prepared to welcome Kenyans from across the country and showcase the progress, resilience and potential of the county of champions.”
The governor thanked President William Ruto and the national government for the confidence placed on Uasin Gishu, saying the decision reflected the county’s strategic importance and contribution to the country’s growth and development.
“We will work together with all stakeholders to ensure this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are dignified, memorable and reflective of the spirit of our great nation,” he said.
Bii added that the event would also provide an opportunity to market Uasin Gishu as a centre of enterprise, innovation, investment and opportunity.
He did not, however, disclose the venue that will host the celebrations. Both Kipchoge Keino Stadium and the 64 Stadium are still under construction.
Preparations had initially been under way in Elgeyo Marakwet after the government announced plans to host this year’s national celebrations at Kamariny Stadium in Iten.
The government had been fast-tracking completion of the stadium, whose construction had stalled for several years. Officials had expressed confidence that it would be completed in time for the October 20 event.
Senior government officials and representatives from Sports Kenya had been making regular inspection visits to monitor progress and review preparations.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich had also chaired the second multi-agency planning meeting at his Iten office before leading an inspection tour of Kamariny Stadium.
The inspection team included County Commissioner David Kosgei, Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek, County Secretary Lazarus Chebii, county executives and chief officers from various departments.
Rotich had said residents were looking forward to hosting the national celebrations and were determined to make the event a success.
The county government had also been preparing for the expected influx of visitors.
Governor Rotich had not commented on the decision to relocate the celebrations to Eldoret by the time of going to press.
