Wajir prepares to host Madaraka Day fete amid major development projects

Ongoing construction works at the Wajir airport /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Ongoing construction works at Wajir airport /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Defence PS Patrick Mariru /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Teresia Mbaika, the PS  State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Ongoing construction works at the Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

It is all systems go in Wajir as the county prepares to host Madaraka Day on  June 1.

On Saturday, senior officials from the national government toured several major development projects in the county as part of the preparations for the celebrations.

The high-level delegation included principal secretaries Raymond Omollo (Internal Security), Patrick Mariru (Defence), and Teresia Mbaika (Aviation and Aerospace Development).

They assessed the progress of flagship projects initiated by President William Ruto, including the construction of Wajir National Stadium, the expansion of Wajir International Airport, upgrading of key roads within the county to bitumen standard, and improvements to facilities that will host state functions during national celebrations.

PS Omollo, who led the team, stated that the visit was aimed at evaluating progress on critical infrastructure projects ahead of the national event.

“We have representatives from the county government of Wajir, as well as officials from the Kenya Airports Authority led by the acting managing director. Our mission today was to assess three critical facilities in preparation for the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations, which will be hosted here in Wajir County," Omollo said.

He noted that major works are underway at Wajir International Airport, including the construction of a new civilian terminal, improvements to the taxiway and runway, and the eventual separation of civilian and military operations to enhance efficiency.

“There is significant work expected as part of the expansion process. The aim is to achieve a clear separation between military and civilian sides to facilitate easier movement of passengers and cargo into and out of Wajir,” he added.

The delegation also inspected the ongoing construction of the Wajir National Stadium, which will host the Madaraka Day celebrations.

According to Omollo, the project is approximately 10 per cent complete and is expected to reach substantial completion by the first week of May.

In addition, the team visited the residence of the county commissioner, which is set to undergo renovations to host the presidential luncheon on Madaraka Day.

Beyond these key facilities, the national government is also undertaking complementary improvements, including upgrading access roads, installing street lighting, enhancing power connections, and improving water supply within the town.

“We want to assure the people of Wajir, the North Eastern region, and the entire country that we are committed to ensuring a successful Madaraka Day celebration here, just as it has been in other parts of the country,” Omollo said.

PS Mariru stated that the Ministry of Defence is supervising the stadium’s construction and remains confident that the project will be completed on schedule.

“When we broke ground last month, it didn’t look feasible, but the progress we have seen today demonstrates the commitment of the team,” Mariru said.

He explained that construction is ongoing around the clock to meet the tight timeline.

“We are working in 24-hour shifts, both day and night, to ensure the stadium is ready by 1 June. Already, the project employs over 400 people daily, which is a significant benefit to the local community,” he added.

He reaffirmed that the ministry will continue to coordinate with other departments to ensure all projects are delivered within the timeline set by the Commander-in-Chief.

PS Mbaika assured Kenyans that the airport upgrade will be completed in time for the celebrations.

“Through the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority, alongside my colleagues here, we are prepared to deliver this project. The airport is vital, especially as we expect many Kenyans to travel here for Madaraka Day,” Mbaika said.

She noted that the government has mobilised the necessary resources, personnel, and equipment to ensure the project’s timely completion.

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed welcomed the national government’s investment in the county, describing the hosting of Madaraka Day as historic for the region.

“We sincerely appreciate the national government’s efforts in improving facilities in Wajir County,” he said.

Muhumed stated that the upcoming celebrations will bring significant benefits through infrastructure development and increased economic activity.

“We do not take for granted that we will be hosting the President of Kenya here on 1 June. It is historic, monumental, and beneficial in many ways,” he added.

The deputy governor also called for the accelerated implementation of power upgrades promised during the launch of the NYOTA Programme, emphasising that improved electricity supply remains a critical need for the county.

He affirmed that the county government will support national efforts by mobilising the community and facilitating local engagement where necessary.

“As a county, we may not be funding the projects directly, but we will engage our community and support wherever needed to ensure their success,” Muhumed said.

This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be the first time the national event is hosted in Wajir, a move expected to highlight development progress and attract national attention to Kenya’s North Eastern region.