By Habil Onyango
Government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura ON Saturday announced that Homa Bay is set to make history by hosting this year’s significant Madaraka Day celebrations.
He expressed great pride and anticipation for the event, which will take place for the first time at the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium.
President William Ruto is scheduled to preside over the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. Dr. Mwaura stated, “As we stand on the cusp of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, it is with great pride and anticipation that we gather in Homa Bay County, a region poised to make history by hosting this significant national event for the first time at the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium.”
According to Dr. Mwaura, the modern 12,000-seater facility symbolizes the transformative power of devolution and the government’s commitment to equitable development across Kenya.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” focusing on 62 years of internal self-governance while showcasing the transformative potential of the nation’s aquatic resources to uplift lives, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity.
Dr. Mwaura emphasized that the celebrations, held in the heart of Nyanza region, are more than just a festivity; they are a testament to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
This agenda prioritizes the blue economy and maritime affairs in fostering sustainable development by unlocking the untapped potential of these sectors.
“The choice of Homa Bay, with its proximity to Lake Victoria, is both deliberate and symbolic. It underscores our commitment to harness the vast opportunities within our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters to stimulate sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and enhance livelihoods, particularly for lakeside communities,” he said.
Dr. Mwaura highlighted the significant potential of the blue economy, encompassing various sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport, tourism, and marine technology, all of which hold immense promise for Kenya’s economic transformation.
He noted that under the BETA initiative, the government has made substantial strides, with communities in Homa Bay and beyond already experiencing positive impacts.
While speaking at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay during his weekly press briefings, Dr. Mwaura shared that preparations for Madaraka Day have spurred significant infrastructure development in the region, creating a lasting legacy.
“The Raila Odinga Stadium, constructed at a cost of Ksh 500 million, now features modern terraces, natural turf, and floodlights, making it a hub for sports and community events,” he said.
“Over 35 kilometers of roads, including the Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road and access to the County Government Headquarters in Arujo, have been rehabilitated or constructed, improving connectivity for fishers, traders, and tourists,” he added.
Furthermore, the spokesperson mentioned the upgraded Kabunde Airstrip, which is nearing completion on a runway extension that will accommodate larger aircraft, thus boosting tourism and trade.
Dr. Mwaura also revealed plans for developing fish landing sites, such as Wakula, Mainuga, and Nyandiwa in Homa Bay County, with an investment of Ksh 1.5 billion.
Architectural designs have been finalized, and contracts will soon be awarded.
“Lake Victoria is a lifeline for Homa Bay’s residents, and the government is prioritizing sustainable fisheries to enhance livelihoods.
This includes modern facilities such as cold storage and processing units aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better prices for fishers,” he explained.
Other projects highlighted by Dr. Mwaura include the Homa Bay Modern Fish Market, which was launched by President William Ruto, as well as the refurbished Homa Bay Pier and improved roads to enhance water-based tourism, such as boat tours, creating opportunities for local guides and boosting the county’s appeal as a tourist destination.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to capacity building through initiatives like the Maritime Centre of Excellence at Tom Mboya University, which will train professionals in aquaculture and maritime technology.
“President Ruto has committed to securing funding to advance this project, empowering young people like Grace Anyango, a student aspiring to lead conservation efforts for Lake Victoria,” he concluded.
