By Anderson Ojwang
History is beckoning in Homa Bay County as, for the first time since independence, it will host a national event — one that has brought with it a wave of development projects.
Residents of Homa Bay are finally witnessing the fruits of the Madaraka celebration in terms of development projects that have recently flooded the county.
The celebration, themed “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” will be a case study on how national celebrations can intersect with long-term development agendas, reinforcing the connection between symbolism, investment, and sustainable progress.
Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the decision to hold the fete in Homa Bay County was part of a broader national trajectory of inclusivity in development, regional empowerment, and strategic recognition of untapped potential.
“We will deliver a secure, flawless and nationally inclusive Madaraka that leaves a lasting impact on the host region and the country,” he said.
Omollo said the presence of the President and other dignitaries will open up and accelerate Homa Bay County’s appeal to investors, boost infrastructure development, and unlock tourism and trade potential for the future.
Omollo noted that Homa Bay Town, which previously had modest infrastructure, has now been elevated into a national hub capable of hosting one of the country’s public holidays.
“Homa Bay Town has witnessed comprehensive infrastructural upgrades and the plan to prepare the town for its historic role is on schedule,” he said.
He added that the transformation has resulted in a fully modernised Raila Odinga Stadium, upgraded road networks in the town, rehabilitation of Kabunde Airstrip, improved public facilities, and a rejuvenated waterfront.
“At the Raila Odinga Stadium, the government expanded the stadium’s capacity and upgraded its facilities to ensure it meets the national ceremonial standards for the event. The seating has been increased to accommodate 20,000 spectators, while the construction of terraces, roofing of pavilions, and installation of security features will ensure the safety and comfort of all guests,” he said.
He said the stadium will have a media zone, emergency exits, floodlights, and modern parade grounds, making it suitable for sports tournaments, regional events, and national state functions.
Omollo said that in a bid to improve access to the venue and general transport in the area, the government is upgrading more than 35 kilometres of roads currently under construction or rehabilitation within the town and its outskirts.
“The roads include a 1.2km ceremonial road from the pier to the stadium, 2km road connecting Arojo to the stadium, 10.8km of urban roads being improved, and rural link roads including Wahamba-Imbo (11km) and Ruga-Lala (12km), which are being murramed and upgraded to improve public access,” he said.
At Kabunde Airstrip, which will serve as the landing site for dignitaries, various works are ongoing including the construction of a modern terminal with check-in counters, waiting lounges, secure exits, and VIP holding areas.
Omollo said the County Commissioner’s residence is being upgraded to host the state garden party, with improvements including landscaping, internal renovation, new sanitation systems, and the raising of the perimeter wall.
For the first time in history, Homa Bay will also have a mini State Lodge — a temporary presidential residence to house the Head of State and host the Presidential Luncheon for the event.
“The government is rehabilitating the Homa Bay Pier, once a neglected transport hub on Lake Victoria. The rehabilitation of the pier is intended to reintroduce Homa Bay as an important player in the water transport ecosystem,” he said.
During the event, various activities will take place at the pier, including demonstrations of safe fish handling and cold chain preservation, launch of safe fish boats and maritime safety equipment, exhibitions of fish farming technologies such as floating cages and hatcheries, and showcases of climate-resilient water transportation and clean energy solutions for communities.
To solidify the theme of the event, the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy will use the occasion to highlight key policies, including:
“The rollout of the Kenya Blue Economy Strategy 2023–2027, the launch of new regulations governing fish landing sites and marine transport, opening of additional training centres for boat operators and safety officers, and announcements of new investments in aquaculture and fish processing zones,” he said.
Homa Bay County remains dear to President William Ruto, having visited it more frequently than any of the other 46 counties.
In Homa Bay, President Ruto has entrusted Dr Omollo and Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Economic Planning Mr John Mbadi with key positions.
It is in Homa Bay where the President’s party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has offices down to the ward level, has conducted peaceful party primaries, and has elected officials at the county level.
Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, is an ardent ally of President Ruto and one of the key supporters of the broad-based government.
Wanga has been critical of those opposed to the broad-based arrangement and has been vouching for a UDA–ODM working alliance.
