Eldoret is being reshaped ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, with road works, stadium construction and security rehearsals accelerating as October 20 approaches.
The city is preparing to receive thousands of visitors for the national event, which will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
At the centre of the preparations is Kipchoge Keino Stadium, where construction is now about 70 per cent complete. Contractors are working extended hours as they race to finish the remaining work before the celebrations.
Streets transformed ahead of national event
Several roads in Eldoret have been dug up for the installation of cabro blocks and other improvement works.
The changes are part of a wider effort to improve the appearance of the city before the celebrations.
Governor Jonathan Bii has called on residents and businesses to help keep Eldoret clean as preparations continue.
“We are doing our best to make the city ready for Mashujaa Day. We want to make it a success for residents and visitors we will be hosting,” Bii said.
The preparations come after government officials confirmed in late September that work at the main stadium had reached 68 per cent. Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo said contractors were working day and night, with the government expecting major works to be completed before the event.
Security rehearsals take centre stage
At the Eldoret ASK Showground, military and other security formations have begun rehearsals ahead of the celebrations.
Residents have also seen air force aircraft conducting rehearsals over the city as security teams prepare for the national ceremony.
Government officials have been making regular inspection visits to assess progress at the stadium and other projects linked to the event.
The celebrations will be the first to be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. The programme is expected to include activities focused on sports, security and the economy.
Sh63 million sports programme planned
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said Sh63 million has been set aside for sports competitions linked to the Mashujaa Day programme.
The competitions include football, volleyball, athletics and basketball, with events designed to involve participants at the grassroots level.
“Sports will be the best way to ensure our people will participate and feel they are part and parcel of the Mashujaa Day celebrations,” Murkomen said.
The tournament began at ward level in late September before progressing to higher stages across the three host counties.
Countdown enters final stretch
The government has said the preparations are on course, with several development projects expected to be commissioned during the Mashujaa Day programme.
The celebrations will be held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium on October 20, with thematic activities scheduled to run in the days leading up to the national event.
For Eldoret, the coming weeks will be a race against the clock — from finishing the stadium to completing road works and coordinating security operations before visitors arrive.
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