Preparations for Kenya’s 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations are moving into their final weeks, with the government saying work on the main venue in Eldoret is 68 per cent complete.
The October 20 celebrations will be hosted jointly by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, with Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret serving as the main venue.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who chairs the national steering committee, said the stadium has a seating capacity of 15,043 people. He expressed confidence that the venue would be ready, while acknowledging that significant work remained.
“I am confident that we will be ready for the celebrations. There is still considerable work to be done,” Omollo said.
The celebrations will extend beyond Eldoret, with activities planned in Kapsabet and Iten as part of the wider programme across the three counties.
Kapsabet Stadium is reported to be 45.4 per cent complete and has a capacity of 10,000 people. Kamariny Stadium in Iten, which can also accommodate about 10,000 people, is 58 per cent complete, according to the government update.
The government is also working on roads and other infrastructure in Eldoret, Kapsabet and Iten. Water connections are being expanded as officials prepare for the expected arrival of visitors, government officials and other guests.
The stadium works are being carried out by the Ministry of Sports, with support and supervision from the Ministry of Defence.
The government has described the three-county arrangement as an opportunity to showcase the region’s contribution to sport, security and economic activity. Earlier government planning documents placed the celebrations around sports and security, while more recent updates have also highlighted the finance and economic sectors.
Sport is expected to form a major part of the build-up. The government has launched a grassroots tournament involving teams from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet, with competitions progressing from ward to county level before the national celebrations.
Omollo also addressed security concerns in parts of the North Rift, including recent cases of banditry and cattle rustling. He said security agencies were working with local leaders in Samburu, Isiolo and parts of Meru through a multi-agency approach.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
With less than a month to the celebrations, contractors and government agencies are under pressure to complete the remaining works. The government says the preparations remain on course for October 20, when President William Ruto is expected to preside over the national celebrations.
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