By Hope Barbra
For eons, celebration of national holidays was centred in Nairobi city and the residents were often forced to listen to endless promises by the successive regimes.
The celebrations were monotonous and had nothing new to offer on the plate, and the move to decentralise the fete has given it a new dimension and impact on the community and regions.
For President William Ruto, the counties that have held the celebrations have things in terms of development to count, and their status is radically transformed in terms of development.
Kenya’s public holidays are gaining new significance, with regions now scrambling to host the event due to the basket full of development goodies that come with it.
For President William Ruto’s regime, it has been a trove of development projects to hosting counties, unlike in the past.
From Homa Bay County, after successfully hosting the 62nd Madaraka Day celebration, now it is the turn of Kitui to enjoy the development package.
In Kitui, what was once an open field used for agricultural shows is currently undergoing a transformation into a modern development in the making.
The 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County is rising rapidly since construction began in June 2025. Now, 60% complete, it is set to host this year’s Mashujaa Day National Celebration.
The construction of the Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, a modern 10,000-seater sports facility, commenced in June 2025 and is steadily progressing.
Internal Security and Administration Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the facility will have terraces, a VIP lounge, internal access roads, and pedestrian walkways.
“We have already completed VIP roofing, with grass weeding, grading and levelling currently underway. The roofing of the terraces remains the final major work before completion,” he said.
Omollo says the project reaffirms the government’s continued investment in sports infrastructure, coming on the heels of Kenya’s successful co-hosting of the CHAN 2024 finals and in line with preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2027, which Kenya will also co-host.
“The stadium has already been designated as the official venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in October, cementing its place as a national landmark.
Beyond sports, Ithookwe Stadium is already creating jobs during its construction phase, while its completion will open new opportunities in sports tourism, hospitality and trade, thereby boosting the regional economy and revenue streams,” he said.
The government is implementing Sh2 billion in infrastructural overhaul, with several roads being repaired or upgraded, new markets being constructed, and the Umaa Dam being revived, while the Affordable Housing project is underway with completion expected by the time of the national celebrations.
During his visit to the Umaa Dam construction site, PS Mueke emphasised that the national government’s primary objective is to complete the dam to provide water for domestic and irrigation use. The project is expected to cost Sh1 billion upon completion.
“The national government is awaiting the e-procurement system to facilitate payment to the contractor within the next two weeks, ensuring the project’s smooth execution,” PS Mueke said.
“I will appeal to President William Ruto to allocate additional funds to complete the dam within the next two and a half years.”
The national government is also working on several other projects in Kitui County, including the construction of a sewer system and four major roads, such as the Chuluni-Zombe Road and the Kibwezi-Kitui-Kabati-Mbondoni Road in Mwingi West.
Furthermore, the government has allocated funds to compensate individuals whose land was acquired during the construction of the KeNHA roads.
These development projects underscore the national government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and improving the lives of Kitui County residents.
