Wajir ready for Madaraka Day as preparations hit 84%

An aerial view of the Wajir Stadium./MINA

Preparations for the 2026 Madaraka Day national celebrations in Wajir County have reached 84 per cent completion, with the Government expressing confidence that all key works will be ready ahead of the national event scheduled for 1st June 2026.

A sense of urgency and optimism is now defining the final stretch of preparations, following an inspection tour of major facilities and ongoing works led by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo.

Dr Omollo said the Government was satisfied with the progress made so far, noting that the remaining works are expected to be substantially completed between 20th and 25th May. This, he added, will allow enough time for final testing, rehearsals and coordination ahead of the celebrations.

“We are pleased with the progress made so far. The preparations currently stand at 84 per cent, and we expect that by between the 20th and the 25th of this month, most of the key works will have been completed,” he said.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, during the inspection of ongoing projects in Wajir ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations./MINA

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, with his Culture and Heritage counterpart Ummi Bashir, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and other officials during the inspection of ongoing projects in Wajir ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations./MINA

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, with his Culture and Heritage counterpart, Ummi Bashir, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and other officials, during the inspection of ongoing projects in Wajir ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations./MINA

The inspection covered the main celebration venue, infrastructure works, parade rehearsals and other supporting facilities being prepared to host the national event. Authorities said rehearsals and coordination activities are already ongoing, including parade training involving security and ceremonial teams expected to participate on the day.

As part of the build-up, the Government will also hold a thematic week from 25th to 31st May 2026 at Wagberi Primary School. The week will focus on education, skills and the future, aligned to this year’s Madaraka Day theme.

Preparations are also in progress at the official residence where President William Ruto is expected to host a State luncheon for invited guests during the celebrations.

Dr Omollo said hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, national integration and the equitable distribution of national events across the country.

He also urged members of the public to observe the programme timing, noting that the schedule has been arranged with consideration for midday prayers in the region.

“We encourage all attendees to be seated by 8:00 a.m. as the celebrations will begin promptly to ensure smooth flow of the programme,” he said.

The Government has invited Kenyans from across the country to join residents of Wajir in marking this year’s Madaraka Day.

Dr Omollo was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage Ummi Bashir, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and officials from various ministries, departments and agencies coordinating the celebrations