The government has outlined strict security measures and traffic management protocols ahead of Tuesday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan said additional security personnel have been deployed to identified hotspots amid intensified patrols and enhanced coordination to ensure the national celebrations proceed in a safe, orderly and peaceful environment.
The security arrangements cover the stadium, designated parking areas, accommodation facilities, critical installations and other areas expected to receive large numbers of visitors.
The regional commissioner warned individuals planning to exploit the national event to engage in crime that they would face firm and lawful action.
“The national celebration does not give anyone immunity from the law. Anyone who engages in criminal activity, threatens public safety or disrupts peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
Hassan said uniformed police officers, plain-clothes officers and traffic police would secure the venue and its surroundings, while National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and National Youth Service personnel would help guide members of the public, particularly during and after the ceremonial marchpast.
He added that patrols would continue before, during and after the celebrations, with additional personnel deployed to identified security hotspots to facilitate a proactive response to any threats.
Security arrangements at hotels and other accommodation facilities have also been strengthened, with support from neighbouring counties.
On traffic management, Hassan urged motorists and visitors to follow instructions from traffic officers, observe road signs and cooperate with security personnel to facilitate smooth movement around the city.
The deployment of NGAOs and National Youth Service personnel is also expected to help manage pedestrian movement and guide wananchi during the high-attendance event.
The 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations will be presided over by President William Ruto at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, marking the culmination of his 11-day development tour of the North Rift, which began on October 10 and covered Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties.
This year’s celebrations, themed Security, Sports and the Economy, are being jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in a first-time multi-county arrangement.
Beyond the preparations for the national event, Hassan said the overall security situation in the Rift Valley remained favourable, citing progress in restoring peace in areas previously affected by banditry and other forms of insecurity.
He attributed the gains in the North Rift partly to sustained security operations under the Maliza Uhalifu initiative, saying communities were gradually returning to normal life, businesses were reopening and displaced residents were going back to their homes.
The government, he said, would sustain intelligence-led and coordinated operations in areas affected by banditry and violence, targeting perpetrators as well as those who finance or facilitate criminal activities.
“There can be no meaningful development without security. Security is the foundation of peace, investment, trade and prosperity. Education and the delivery of public services depend on it,” Hassan said.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies, government administrators, local leaders and members of the public in consolidating the gains made so far.
With the country approaching the 2027 General Election, the regional commissioner also called on political leaders, community elders, religious institutions, the media and the public to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Our diversity is a national asset, not a source of division. Every leader and citizen has a responsibility to promote tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect,” he said.
Hassan urged Kenyans to reject hate speech, incitement, ethnic hostility and inflammatory language, warning that those who facilitate crime would also be held accountable.
“Cooperation is essential to ensuring that peace is not temporary but a lasting condition for prosperity,” he said.
He called on residents and visitors to celebrate Mashujaa Day responsibly, cooperate with security officers and uphold the law throughout the national celebrations.
