Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has arrived in Kenya ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for Monday in Kitui County.
Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya received Faye at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday afternoon.
“President Bassirou is in Kenya to grace tomorrow’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County as a distinguished Guest of Honour,” Mvurya announced via his official social media channels.
In addition to participating in the national celebrations, Faye is also set to undertake a State visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Senegal.
The visit is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange.
This year’s Mashujaa Day comes at a time of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
However, the government has confirmed that the celebrations
will proceed as planned at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
Raila, who passed away on October 15 in Kochi, India, at the age of 80, was laid to rest with full military honours.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) accorded him a 17-gun salute during the state burial ceremony held at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura earlier emphasised the importance of Mashujaa Day, noting that it remains a key moment in Kenya’s national calendar.
“While the country remains in mourning, Mashujaa Day, a constitutionally enshrined public holiday under the Public Holidays Act and Article 9(3) of the Constitution, will proceed as planned,” Mwaura said. “It is a cornerstone of our collective identity, where we gather to salute the sacrifices of those who built our nation.”
Politicians from Ukambani, led by Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, said that the event will also serve to honour Raila as a national hero who made a lasting impact on the country.
Mashujaa Day 2025 will spotlight energy as a catalyst for economic and social transformation, aligning with Kenya’s long-term development goals.
This year’s celebrations coincide with Energy Week 2025, which took place from October 13–19 at the Kitui Teachers Training College.
The theme, “Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy Solutions”, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The Energy Week aimed to raise awareness and promote action towards sustainable, inclusive, and modern energy access for all.
It also sought to encourage youth participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers and innovations within the energy sector.
Analysts have said Faye’s presence in Kenya for the celebrations signals deepening Pan-African ties and a shared vision for inclusive progress across the continent.
