Preparations for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations are on schedule, the National Celebrations Steering Committee has said, even as some Elgeyo-Marakwet residents question the decision to host the main event in Eldoret.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen chaired a steering committee meeting at Harambee House on Wednesday and said key projects in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties were progressing well.
“The committee is on schedule to deliver sports infrastructure, roads, energy and other ancillary projects in the three counties in readiness for the week-long activities that will culminate in the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret,” Murkomen said.
President William Ruto announced last week that this year’s national celebrations will be held in Eldoret City, with the three counties jointly hosting. The decision followed a July 13 meeting with leaders from the counties.
“This evening, I welcomed leaders from Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties to strategize on the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret City,” Ruto said on X.
The announcement marked a shift from earlier plans that had earmarked Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet as the venue.
The change has drawn criticism from some Elgeyo-Marakwet residents who said they expected Kamariny to host the event after years of construction and prior government assurances.
“We are residents of Elgeyo-Marakwet, and we have nothing to share with Uasin Gishu and Nandi. Even if the President will be in Eldoret on that day, we will remain at Kamariny Stadium,” one resident said.
Residents have also asked the government to clarify the role Kamariny Stadium will play during the week-long programme.
Government officials maintain that the 2026 celebrations will be a joint undertaking by the three counties.
