Wajir: The National Government has stepped up preparations for this year's Madaraka Day celebrations to be held in Wajir, with senior government officials inspecting key infrastructure projects in the county. Internal Security and National Administration principal secretary Raymond Omollo led a multi-agency team that included officials from the Kenya Airports Authority and the Wajir County Government to assess progress on projects expected to support the national celebrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the team inspected the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation works at Wajir International Airport, construction of the new Wajir Stadium, and renovation of the County Commissioner's residence. Omollo stated that the airport project includes expansion of the terminal building and improvement of the taxiway and runway to enhance air transport operations. The separation of military and civilian operations is a key goal to ease movement into and out of Wajir.
He added that the stadium, whose construction was recently launched by William Ruto, is currently about 10 percent complete, with a substantial completion expected by the first week of May, in preparation for the Madaraka Day celebrations. Renovation of the County Commissioner's residence is also underway to host the presidential luncheon during the celebrations. Additional improvements include upgrading access roads, installing street lighting, and enhancing power and water supply in the area.
Dr. Patrick Mariru, Principal Secretary, Department of Defence, said the Ministry of Defence is supervising the stadium's construction and expressed confidence in meeting the timelines. The project has created employment for more than 400 workers daily. The Ministry of Defence will continue collaborating with other government departments to ensure timely completion of all projects.
The Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika noted the government's commitment through the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority to deliver the airport project on schedule. The airport is especially important as many Kenyans are expected to travel to Wajir for the celebrations. Resources and personnel have been allocated to ensure completion within the expected timelines.
Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed expressed appreciation to the national government for investing in infrastructure ahead of the celebrations. He emphasized the historic significance of the event for Wajir and the improvements in infrastructure like street lighting and power supply. The county government plans to support these initiatives through community engagement to ensure smooth implementation of the projects.