Wajir county will host this year's national Madaraka Day celebrations, a defining moment not only for the county but also for the entire North Eastern region.
The celebrations on June 1 will mark the first time since independence that a national event will be held in Northern Kenya
Speaking in Wajir town on Saturday, Aldas MP Aden Keynan and chairman of the Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group said the hosting of the national celebration is a clear affirmation that the people of Wajir and the larger Northern Kenya region are an integral and valued part of Kenya’s national fabric.
“History is not merely being written; it is being magnificently redefined before our very eyes,” Keynan said, noting that the decision to host the celebrations in Wajir represents a powerful statement of inclusion, recognition and national unity.
“For the first time since Kenya attained independence, the resilient land of Northern Kenya has been accorded the singular honour of hosting a national event. This is a proud and emotional moment for our people,” he stated.
Keynan lauded President William Ruto for what he termed as a monumental gesture that has elevated the pride, dignity and visibility of the region before both the nation and the international community.
The legislator said preparations for the celebrations have triggered unprecedented transformation across Wajir county, with massive infrastructure projects reshaping the town and positioning it as an emerging regional hub for investment, commerce and national events.
He singled out the newly constructed 10,000-seater stadium, which he noted now stands as a landmark facility that will not only host Madaraka Day celebrations but also open Wajir to future sporting events, cultural festivals, national conferences and high-level government functions.
“Wajir today stands like a beautifully adorned bride, gracefully and confidently preparing for her grand celebration on the first of June,” he said.
The MP further emphasised that development is being witnessed across all the six constituencies of Wajir, saying the ongoing mega-projects are designed to transform lives from the grassroots upward.
He praised the unity demonstrated by leaders and residents from the county during the preparations, saying the county has chosen harmony, progress and shared prosperity over divisive politics.
“The unity being exhibited across political, social and community lines sends a powerful message to the nation that Wajir stands united, focused and ready to embrace a future of shared prosperity,” he said.
Keynan also credited President Ruto’s administration for what he described as sustained commitment to Northern Kenya through expanded infrastructure investments, increased opportunities and reforms such as the abolition of the discriminatory vetting process for national identity cards.
The MP called on Kenyans from across the country to attend the celebration in large numbers and witness the transformation taking place in Wajir.
“This is to invite the people of Kenya and particularly the great people of Wajir County to come out in large numbers on June 1st to celebrate this defining chapter in our history. Let us warmly welcome the nation to Wajir and proudly showcase the greatness of our hospitality, resilience and patriotism,” he said.
Wajir town has in recent months witnessed extensive infrastructure upgrades as preparations intensify for the national celebrations.
The projects, being implemented by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, include upgrading selected roads to bitumen standards, rehabilitation of deteriorated roads and improvement of drainage systems across the town.
Other major developments underway include the construction of the Wajir International Stadium, expansion of Wajir International Airport, upgrading of municipal roads, installation of modern street lighting and development of a County State Lodge.
Top government officials, among them Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo, have already toured the town to assess progress ahead of the celebrations.
Construction works going on at the Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
