Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, with senior national and
county officials, during an inspection tour of Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has assured residents and stakeholders that the county is fully prepared to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
Preparations are gathering momentum ahead of the historic national event scheduled for June 1. It will be the first national holiday to be held in the larger North-Eastern region.
Abdullahi, who conducted an inspection tour of the Wajir Stadium and the new terminal at Wajir International Airport, said everything is progressing according to plan.
“I assure residents and stakeholders that we are fully prepared and dedicated to hosting a successful and memorable national celebration,” he said.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation demonstrated by various agencies involved in the preparations.
“I am encouraged by the level of coordination across sectors, particularly in ensuring that all logistical, security, and communication arrangements are firmly in place. As a county, we remain committed to delivering a well-organised and impactful Madaraka Day celebration that reflects our unity, progress, and shared aspirations,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the governor chaired a meeting of the county executive committee to review departmental progress and assess the county’s overall preparedness for the celebrations.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi conducting an inspection of the new terminal at Wajir International Airport. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
During the session, members of the executive committee presented briefings outlining the status of ongoing preparations, key milestones achieved, and areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure smooth execution of the event.
Abdullahi directed all departments to finalise their preparations within the
agreed timelines and maintain close coordination to guarantee a seamless and
successful celebration.
The
meeting comes barely a week after a high-powered delegation of senior national
government officials led by Interior PS Raymond Omollo toured Wajir to inspect
progress on the preparations. The team expressed confidence in the county’s readiness
to host the celebrations.
Omollo, who was accompanied by his Defence counterpart Patrick Mariru and officials from various ministries, commended the coordination efforts between the county and national governments.
The delegation was received by Governor Abdullahi, his deputy, and other county leaders who have been working closely with the national government to ensure proper preparations.
Ongoing construction at the Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Omollo praised officers and stakeholders for their commitment since President William Ruto designated Wajir as the host county for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
An inspection of the main stadium designated to host the celebrations indicated that construction works were between 65 and 70 per cent done, with contractors expected to finish the project at least two weeks ahead of schedule.
Wajir town
has also witnessed significant infrastructure upgrades in readiness for the
event. Major road rehabilitation and improvement works are ongoing under the
supervision of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi with senior national and
county officials conducting an inspection tour of Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKOThe projects include upgrading selected roads to bitumen standards, rehabilitating damaged sections, and improving drainage systems across the town to enhance accessibility and mobility.
Residents say the developments are already transforming the area and improving economic activity.
Boda boda operator Kirimi Mwendwa noted that the improved roads have eased movement within the town and boosted business opportunities for transport operators and traders.
This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations are expected to place Wajir County in the national spotlight while showcasing the region’s development potential, cultural diversity, and growing strategic importance in Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.
