The visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu has been hailed as one that will bring numerous opportunities to the region.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said the President’s visit for the state function will give leaders an opportunity to press for actualisation of some of the government’s projects in the region.
Otiende said the Kisumu port, Nakuru-Kisumu-Butere-Busia railway and Muhoroni-Mamboleo road are some of the mega projects which he hopes the President will give priority during his visit.
He said leaders will talk about the revival of cotton farming, enhancing sugarcane farming and fishing.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu after closing a training of Rarieda CDF-NG staff, Otiende called upon the public in Kisumu to observe Covid-19 protocols as the lakeside city, which has recorded a surge of the virus, will host the event on June 1.
He said Kisumu will benefit immensely from the celebrations which will spur the economy during the period.
The MP said the city economy had declined due the virus and other factors that include demolition of businesses, rendering thousands of people jobless.
The National Celebrations Committee spearheading this year’s Madaraka Day in Kisumu is satisfied with the works at the venue at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Complex.
A total of 3,000 people will be allowed into the stadium during the celebrations.
Interior PS Karanja Kibicho said another 20,000 people will be placed in other venues within the city to follow the proceedings on big screens.
"Live TV screens will be placed all over the town to enable Kisumu residents to watch the event," he said.
Kibicho noted that the National Celebrations Committee spearheading the event is satisfied with the works at the celebrations venue.
He spoke at the venue during an inspection tour accompanied by other PSs.
The PS assured the public of a fruitful 2021 Madaraka Day celebrations in the lakeside city and asked those privileged to attend the celebrations not to miss.
Construction workers were busy at the site racing against time ahead of the celebrations.
Four other stands that were suggested three weeks ago are up as constructors put the final touches.
Early this month, Sports CS Amina Mohamed said the Sh415 million Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu will be completed by this week.
Amina inspected the progress of the works at the facility located at Mamboleo show ground in Kisumu.
"The contractor assured that the stadium will be completed by May 15 and be ready for handover on 23rd this month," she stated.
Edited by Henry Makori
