Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Bomet on July 18, 2026/OKM
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations will, for the first time, be jointly hosted by Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties.
The move marks a historic departure from the traditional practice of holding the national event in a single host county.
The announcement comes as the government intensifies preparations for the October 20 celebrations, with Uasin Gishu serving as the main host while complementary activities will be held in neighbouring Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties.
Murkomen said the decision reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to inclusivity, equitable development and national unity by extending the celebrations across multiple counties.
Speaking after chairing the 2026 Mashujaa Day National Celebrations Steering Committee meeting at Harambee House on Monday, the CS said preparations were progressing as planned, with the multi-agency committee overseeing key infrastructure projects ahead of the event.
"The hosting of the Mashujaa Day commemoration in different parts of our country is a demonstration of the Kenya Kwanza Government's commitment to inclusivity, equity and national unity," Murkomen said.
He said the committee was on schedule to deliver sports infrastructure, roads, energy projects and other supporting facilities required before the celebrations begin.
According to Murkomen, the week-long programme will culminate in the national Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret, with activities spread across the three counties under a coordinated programme.
Omollo said the meeting reviewed the readiness of the multi-agency planning process ahead of the national celebrations.
"The meeting reviewed the readiness of the multi-agency planning process for the national celebrations, which will be hosted in Uasin Gishu County, with complementary activities taking place in Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties under the theme, 'Security, Transport and Sports.' As the lead coordinating Ministry, we remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a well-organised, secure and memorable national celebration," he said.
Mashujaa Day is observed annually on October 20 to honour Kenyans who have made significant contributions to the country's struggle for independence, nation-building and national development.
While the national celebrations have over the years rotated across different counties, a single county has traditionally hosted them.
This year's arrangement therefore marks the first time three neighbouring counties will jointly host the national event, with activities deliberately spread across the region.
The government is expected to use the celebrations to showcase completed and ongoing development projects while accelerating improvements to sports facilities, roads, electricity and other public infrastructure in readiness for the national event.
The joint hosting is also expected to boost tourism and business activity across the three counties as thousands of visitors, government officials and invited guests converge in the North Rift region for the week-long celebrations.
