Eager crowds braved the chilly night weather, arriving at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret late into the night to secure seats ahead of the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations.
By midnight, large crowds had already made their way to the stadium, with many remaining at the venue through the night in anticipation of the national celebrations.
Videos seen by the Star showed a huge group of Kenyans pushing through the stadium entrance as they sought to secure their places in the stands.
Security officers were also present as the crowds streamed into the venue.
The excitement was evident as those arriving made their way into the stadium, where the seats had been arranged in the colours of the Kenyan flag.
By 6 am, Kipchoge Keino Stadium was already filled with thousands of Kenyans who had arrived early for the national event.
Another video showed large crowds already seated inside the stadium, with many waving the Kenyan flag as they waited for the celebrations to begin.
The Kenyan flag, a symbol of the country's sovereignty, unity and identity, is expected to feature prominently during the Mashujaa Day celebrations as the country honours the sacrifices and contributions of those who have shaped its history and development.
Many of those who arrived early were dressed in heavy clothing as they braved the chilly weather in Eldoret.
The large turnout came as Kenya prepared to mark Mashujaa Day, a national holiday observed annually to honour the country's heroes and heroines.
This year's celebrations are being co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, with the main national event taking place at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
President William Ruto is expected to spearhead the celebrations, which bring together thousands of Kenyans from different parts of the country.
The early arrival of crowds at the stadium highlighted the anticipation surrounding this year's celebrations, with many Kenyans choosing to make their way to the venue hours before the official programme began.
As dawn broke over Eldoret, the stadium had transformed into a sea of people, with attendees filling the stands and others continuing to arrive.
The national celebrations are expected to feature speeches, cultural performances and other activities as the country reflects on the contribution of its heroes and heroines.
For those who arrived during the night, the long wait was part of the experience of witnessing the national event from inside the stadium.
The scenes at Kipchoge Keino Stadium underscored the enthusiasm among Kenyans ahead of Mashujaa Day, with the crowds ready for the country to come together and celebrate its heroes.
