Bungoma gearing up to host Madaraka Day celebrations

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma county is gearing up to host this year's Madaraka Day celebrations, with preparations already underway.

On Thursday, a high-powered delegation led by Principal Administrative Secretary Anne Ng’etich visited the county today to kick off the planning process.

The team inspected key venues like the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma town, and the Matulo Airstrip, which will undergo renovation with support from the national government.

The end goal is to ensure the stadium can accommodate a 25,000 people for the June 1st celebrations. Roads leading to the stadium will also be upgraded, while Bungoma town will receive a beautification makeover.

Members of the steering committee are reportedly working diligently to ensure a smooth and memorable event, solidifying Bungoma's place on the national map.

The inspection tour was led by Bungoma deputy governor Pastor Janepher Mbatiany, on behalf of her boss, governor Kenneth Lusaka.

On 19th December, 2015, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta informed the country that two out of Kenya’s three national days would henceforth be hosted on rotational basis by counties outside Nairobi.

He said Nairobi County, which traditionally hosted the national celebrations would be left with only one event per year.

He made the announcement when he hosted governors at State House.

“The decision is aimed at boosting national cohesion and integration,” he said.

The three national days are Madaraka Day celebrated on June 1, Mashujaa Day celebrated on October 20 and Jamhuri Day celebrated on December 12.

Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisii, Machakos, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, Kisumu and Embu are the counties to have so far hosted national day celebrations.

This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be the second for president William Ruto to lead the nation, since being elected and sworn in, in 2022.

Embu county played host to last year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.