Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during an inspection of Kamariny Stadium on August 21, 2026/MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured residents of Elgeyo Marakwet that the decision to co-host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations with Nandi and Uasin Gishu will not diminish the benefits associated with hosting the national fete.
Murkomen said the three North Rift counties would each benefit from infrastructure projects and activities being implemented ahead of the October 20 celebrations.
The CS spoke Friday while touring Kamariny Stadium in Keiyo North Sub-County as he led an inspection of infrastructure projects in the three counties to assess their preparedness for the national celebrations.
This year’s Mashujaa Day will be jointly hosted by Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu, in a departure from the traditional arrangement where one county hosts the national event.
Murkomen said the co-hosting arrangement would ensure residents across the three counties benefit from investments being made in preparation for the celebrations.
At Kamariny Stadium, the CS said construction was more than halfway complete and would provide a modern facility for sporting activities planned before the national event.
The stadium is expected to host sporting competitions and other activities as part of the celebrations, allowing residents to participate in events associated with the national fete.
Murkomen also pointed to ongoing investments in roads, energy and water infrastructure across the three counties, saying the projects would have lasting benefits beyond the celebrations.
He said sports competitions would also be held in Tot in the Kerio Valley as part of efforts to celebrate the return of peace to the region.
The activities are expected to bring together communities and provide an opportunity to showcase the progress made in restoring stability in an area that has experienced years of insecurity.
In Nandi, Murkomen said a national youth summit would be held as part of the activities leading up to Mashujaa Day.
“A sports conference and cultural competitions, among other activities, will also be held before Mashujaa Day,” he said.
The CS further disclosed that construction of a new county headquarters in Iten town was underway, adding to the infrastructure projects being implemented in the region.
The developments come as the three counties prepare to host thousands of visitors and participants during the national celebrations.
Murkomen said the government was keen to ensure that preparations were completed on time and that the facilities being upgraded or constructed met the required standards.
The CS was accompanied during the inspection by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan and County Commissioner David Kosgei.
Also present were County Police Commander Peter Mulinge, County AP Commander Kennedy Matanga, Members of the County Assembly and other senior government officials.
The inspection forms part of wider preparations to ensure the three counties are ready to host the national celebrations and associated activities.
