Motorists travelling to Kisumu and other major towns in Nyanza region via Homa Bay town will be forced to use unusual routes due to closure of some roads to pave way for Madaraka Day celebrations in the county on Sunday.
President William Ruto is expected to grace the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town.
The Presidents of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar who is in Kenya on a state visit will attend the function.
This year's celebrations, held under the theme "Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs," will spotlight Kenya's vast aquatic resources and their transformative potential for socio-economic growth.
In what may inconvinience area residents and people who are familiar with routes around the area, the county government has changed routes on major roads to accommodate visitors, who will include dignitaries, ease of travel.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa announced the changes aimed at enhancing efficiency in marking Madaraka Day celebrations a day to remember.
Addressing journalists in Homa Bay town on Saturday, Mworoa said the changes have been made to prevent conflict between mobility and Madaraka Day celebrations.
The worst to be affected will be motorists and passengers travelling to and from Nyanza regional headquarters in Kisumu City and other major towns in Nyanza such as Kisii, Rongo, and Migori through Homa Bay town.
In the changes, motorists from Kisumu and Kendu Bay heading to Mbita, Oyugis, Rongo, Kisii and Migori, but not attending the event, will divert at Olare to Imbo-Rodi Kopany road instead of going through Homa Bay town.
Motorists travelling from Kisii, Migori, Oyugis heading to Kisumu but not attending the celebration will branch to Rodi – Imbo- Olare road.
Motorists from Rodi Kopany to Homa Bay Town but not attending the celebration will be diverted at Kodoyo Junction to the main matatu stage.
Those from Kisumu heading Homa Bay town to Rodi Kopany will be diverted at the matatu stage to Kodoyo junction.
Vehicles carrying celebrants coming from Kisumu will be diverted at Makongeni, drop passengers at the stadium and park at designated areas which are Asego Comprehensive School, Homa Bay KMTC, Tourist Hotel, Got Rabuor Primary and Secondary Schools or Homa Bay Central SDA Church.
Buses attending the celebration will park at Homa Bay Primary School.
Vehicles from Rodi Kopany will be diverted at Kodoyo Junction, drop off, then proceed to the same designated parking lots. Roads around the stadium, State Lodge and County Commissioner’s office will be closed to regular traffic and reserved for dignitaries only.
All VVIP and VIP vehicles proceeding to the Garden Party will drop at the State Lodge gate and park at La’Salle and Lake Primary School.
Government vehicles will park at Homa Bay Police Station and County Commissioner’s office compound. Matatus, buses, and boda bodas should use the main matatu stage for parking.
Mworoa appealed to motorists, road users and the public to comply with movement advisories.
“I urge all road users to adhere to the advisories. I also urge the residents to comply with instructions from the police and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), for a smooth and orderly celebration,” Mworoa said.
She announced that the stadium gates will be open from 3am and everybody is expected be seated by 5am.
The commissioner said security measures and all other preparation is already in place to ensure the celebrations take place smoothly.
“Nyanza is a peaceful region. We have multi-agency teams that are manning security during the celebration,” Mworoa added.
She said the government had undertaken a number of development projects in the area.
“There are roads and other infrastructural developments which the government has undertaken in this region to enable residents to create wealth,” she added.
This year’s Madaraka Day Celebration is the first one to be held in Homa Bay in the history of Kenyan independence.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo on Saturday led the National Celebrations Steering Committee for the final inspection of the Raila Odinga Stadium as final touches were being put in place ahead of the celebrations.
"The stadium is fully prepared to host the national event and all systems are in place to ensure a successful, secure and memorable celebration for Kenyans across the country," he said.
The celebration is expected to open business opportunities for residents to sell their produce.
“Madaraka Day is enhancing cash flow in this town. There are young people who get their pay from the jobs they do in this town. They spend the money on purchasing various goods and services in this town,” said Moses Odongo, a businessman in Homa Bay town.
