Nairobi: North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno has described the hosting of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir as a reflection of the changing face of North Eastern Kenya from a region once associated with insecurity to a hub of development, trade, and national integration.
According to Kenya News Agency, Otieno stated that the region had made significant progress in security and infrastructure development, making it ready to host a national event of such magnitude. He emphasized the transformation of Northeastern Kenya, which was previously known for insecurity, but now focuses on development, communication, trade, and national events. Otieno highlighted that Wajir was recently ranked among the safest counties in the country, attributing this to sustained government investment in security and public infrastructure.
He further explained that preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations were at an advanced stage, with construction works at Wajir Stadium currently at 84 percent completion, while the County Commissioner’s residence, earmarked for a presidential luncheon, was nearing completion. He assured that by May 25, all preparations would be complete, and Wajir would be ready to welcome Kenyans from across the country.
Otieno described the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region as transformative, citing the construction of the 749-kilometre Isiolo-Modogashe-Wajir-Tarbaj-Kutulo-Elwak-Mandera road as a major milestone that will open up North Eastern economically and strengthen security operations. He noted that the road project is expected to improve the movement of goods and people, enhance investor confidence, and reduce security threats along the corridor.
He added that the projects being undertaken ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations are designed to leave a lasting impact on the county beyond the national event. Two high-yield boreholes have been drilled to boost water supply in Wajir town, while new access roads and public infrastructure will continue benefiting residents after the celebrations. The stadium and water projects are not temporary facilities for the celebrations but long-term investments that will continue serving the people of Wajir.
The Regional Commissioner also assured the public that adequate security measures had been put in place across Wajir and the wider northeastern region to ensure the celebrations are conducted peacefully. Security personnel have been deployed within the stadium, around Wajir town, and in key strategic areas to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors.
Otieno announced that the celebrations would be accompanied by a week-long exhibition at Wagberi Primary School from May 25 to 31, where institutions will showcase innovations, science, and skills development initiatives in line with this year’s Madaraka Day theme. Additionally, a football match will be held at the newly constructed stadium after the national celebrations.
