Sports CS Salim Mvurya with other leaders assess the Wajir stadium. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir County has received a major boost ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations after the National Celebrations Steering Committee officially took over the newly constructed 10,000-seater stadium in Wajir town.

The handover marks a significant milestone in preparations for the national event, which will be held in the North Eastern region for the first time since Kenya attained independence.

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Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility on Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the stadium was over 90 per cent complete and ready to host the June 1 celebrations.

The ultra-modern stadium features a full-sized football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, VIP lounges, changing rooms and modern spectator facilities designed to international standards.

Mvurya described the hosting of Madaraka Day in Wajir as a historic occasion that reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity, national unity and regional development.

“The hosting of Madaraka Day in Wajir marks a historic milestone for the people of Wajir and Northern Kenya,” said Mvurya.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya with other leaders with other leaders at the Wajir stadium./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

He noted that beyond sports, the facility is expected to stimulate economic growth by opening up opportunities in business, tourism and investment across the region.

The Cabinet Secretary, who was accompanied by Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru and other senior government officials, said contractors would continue with the remaining works after the celebrations to align the facility with an expanded vision aimed at nurturing sports talent and supporting creative arts, film and ICT innovation hubs for youth empowerment.

Mvurya also invited Kenyans from across the country to attend the celebrations and witness the transformation taking place in Wajir and the wider North Eastern region.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the handover of the stadium represented a key step in the county’s readiness to host the national event.

“This occasion marks an important milestone in our county’s preparations to host this year’s national celebrations and demonstrates the confidence the national government has placed in Wajir County and the people of the North Eastern region,” said Abdullahi.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya , Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, with other leaders at the Wajir stadium./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

He added that the visit by national government officials signified growing recognition of Wajir’s potential as an emerging economic and development hub.

Leaders from both levels of government who attended the inspection included Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed, Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh, Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, Wajir East MP Adan Daud, Wajir North MP Ibrahim Saney, Wajir West MP Yussuf Muhumed Farah, Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow, Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, County Assembly Speaker Yussuf Abdille and Majority Leader Abey Jimale.

President William Ruto is expected to preside over the Madaraka Day celebrations.

As Kenya prepares to mark 63 years since attaining internal self-rule, Wajir County is using the occasion not only to host the nation, but also to reshape perceptions about Northern Kenya’s growth, potential and transformation.