President Uhuru Kenyatta moves Madarka day celebrations from Kajiado to Narok County due to delay in construction of stadium

Uhuru changes venue for this year's Madaraka day celebrations after new development

Mark Mwithaga

February 25, 2019 2:36 PM

New change for upcoming national celebrations

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at a past event (YouTube)

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday directed Madaraka day celebrations to be held in Narok County instead of Kajiado County due a delay in the construction of Kajiado Stadium.

Kenyatta made the decision after a meeting with Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tanui and the National Celebrations Committee led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I at State House, who briefed the President over the preparations towards the celebrations.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tanui at State House (PSCU) Pulse Live Kenya

The committee pointed out that the stadium would not be completed within the three months time frame that had been earlier suggested.

Kenyatta noted that moving the celebrations to Narok was to guarantee that the benefits arising from the hosting of the national event are maintained within the same economic block in line with the established trend of hosting some national events in the Counties.

The Head of State further ordered the Ministry of Sports and Heritage to give Sh100 million to Kajiado County to make sure the continuation of the process on the stadium are completed and meet the required standards in readiness for hosting national celebrations in the future.

Kenyatta agrees to have national celebrations hosted in other counties

The first time the celebrations were held outside Nairobi County was in 2016 after an agreement between Kenyatta and governors.

President Uhuru Kenyatta giving his speech during the Mashujaa Day at Bukhungu Stadium in 2018 Pulse Live Kenya

The agreement stated that two (Madaraka and Mashujaa Day) of the three national holidays, would be hosted by different counties on a rotational basis.

Nakuru County had hosted the Mashujaa fete while Nyeri hosted Madaraka Day three years ago .

Mark Mwithaga