Ongoing construction works at Wajir airport /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO.
Ongoing construction works at Wajir airport /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO.
Ongoing construction works at the Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO.
Interior PS
Raymod Omollo has exuded confidence with
the progress made in the ongoing works in Wajir in preparation for the
Madaraka Day fete to be hosted in the town on June 1
On Thursday, PS Omolo led a high-level delegation from the national government to tour key development projects across the county to assess readiness ahead of the historic event.
The team was
received by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi.
Interior PS Raymod Omollo speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.The delegation which included Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, NEP regional commissioner John Otieno among other leaders inspected several flagship projects initiated under President William Ruto.
The team also inspected the
construction of Wajir National Stadium, expansion works at Wajir International
Airport, upgrading of major roads to bitumen standards, and improvements to
facilities earmarked for hosting state functions.
Speaking
during the inspection, PS Omollo said the visit was aimed at evaluating progress
across key work streams critical to delivering a successful national
celebration.
He noted
that construction of the main venue, Wajir National Stadium, is currently at 28
per cent completion, with works progressing at an accelerated pace.
“If you
look around, there is visible progress, and we expect the stadium to be ready
by the second week of May,” he said.
Wajir Govenor Ahmed Abdullah speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.At the
airport, ongoing upgrades to the taxiway and apron are underway, with
construction of a new terminal expected to begin within April.
The
improvements aim to separate military and civilian operations and enhance both
domestic and international travel.
PS Omollo
further highlighted infrastructure upgrades being undertaken by the Kenya Urban
Roads Authority, including feeder roads within and around Wajir town, as well
as interventions in the energy and water sectors.
Teams from
the Ministry of Energy are working to stabilise electricity supply in the
region, while water projects are being implemented to ensure adequate supply
during the celebrations.
“Overall,
we are satisfied with the progress and the level of preparedness so far. I want
to commend the county government for its cooperation,” he said.
Leaders tour the Wajir stadium that is under construction./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the developments, describing the opportunity to host
Madaraka Day as both historic and transformative for the region.
“When the
President accepted our request, many doubted it would be possible, especially
the construction of a stadium within such a short time. But in less than a
month, we are already nearing 30 percent completion, and we have assurances it
will be ready by May 15,” he said.
The
governor also pointed to long-awaited upgrades at Wajir International Airport,
including the construction of a commercial terminal, which he said would unlock
new economic opportunities for residents.
“For over
25 years, we have pushed for a civilian terminal. This project will
significantly boost connectivity and economic activity in Wajir,” he noted.
On energy,
Abdullahi said the county is receiving support to address persistent power
challenges, including plans to connect Wajir to the national grid—an initiative
expected to be outlined by the President during the celebrations.
Describing
the event as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” the governor pledged full
support from the county government to ensure the success of the national
celebrations.
Wajir will become the first county in the region to host Madaraka Day, marking a significant milestone in efforts to decentralise national events and spur development in historically marginalised areas.
