For decades, Northern Kenya stood on the margins of national celebrations, watching major state events unfold from a distance while development remained a promise yet to be fully realized. But this year, history is taking a different direction as Wajir County prepares to host Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, a landmark occasion many leaders and residents describe as a turning point for the region’s visibility, recognition, and development.
As final preparations intensify ahead of the June 1 celebrations, senior government officials have praised the rapid completion of key infrastructure projects in Wajir, particularly the newly constructed 10,000-seater stadium that is set to host the national event.
Speaking during an inspection tour in Wajir, Principal Secretary in the State Department for National Government Coordination, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, commended President William Ruto for what he termed a historic commitment to Northern Kenya through the hosting of the national celebrations in Wajir.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank the President for this wonderful effort. It is the first time in the history of Northern Kenya to host such a big event, the only one of its kind,” said Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim.
The PS noted that the ongoing developments linked to the celebrations, including road construction, the stadium project, and the State Lodge, represent unprecedented government investment in the region.
“I am really happy to see the ongoing national development including construction of roads, the stadium and the State Lodge. I have no iota of doubt in my mind that such a project has never been initiated in Northern Kenya,” he stated.
According to the PS, the government’s decision to bring Madaraka Day celebrations to Wajir demonstrates President Ruto’s willingness to prioritize historically marginalized regions and integrate them into the country’s national agenda.
“That is another proof that His Excellency the President has really a soft voice for Northern Kenya,” he added.
Ahmed Abdisalan further said that as the Principal Secretary responsible for verification of national government projects, he was impressed by the level of completion achieved within a short period of time.
“I am happy to see the level of this project has reached almost completion level and we will really thank, as the people of Northern Kenya and particularly from Wajir, His Excellency the President for this development,” he said.
The PS also called on residents to turn out in large numbers during the celebrations, saying the event offers an opportunity for the region to showcase its unity, hospitality, and population strength.
“This is the time to prove that yes, the population of Northern Kenya was doubted on many occasions, but this is the time to prove by bringing more than 10,000 people. I have no doubt you can show it. This is the time to prove your numbers by coming in large numbers to Wajir Stadium on 1st June, God willing,” he urged.
His sentiments were echoed by Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, who described the hosting of Madaraka Day in Wajir as a major milestone not only for the county but for the entire Northern Kenya region.
Speaking during the inspection exercise, Ummi Bashir thanked President William Ruto for selecting Wajir as the venue for this year’s national celebrations, saying the decision had brought immense excitement among local residents.
“We are very thankful as the people of Wajir to the President for choosing Wajir to host the Madaraka Day event. We have never seen this. To us, this is to thank the President this year,” she said.
The PS emphasized that the infrastructure developments being undertaken in preparation for the celebrations will have long-term economic and social benefits for residents even after the event concludes.
“Development has finally been realised in Northern Kenya whereby roads are being constructed for the purpose of this event and this will benefit the people from the bottom of the pyramid, the business women and the entrepreneurs,” she stated.
According to Ummi Bashir, the economic impact of the celebrations is already being felt across Wajir town, with hotels fully booked and local businesses witnessing increased activity ahead of the national event.
“The hotels here are full and the locals are very excited because it’s an opportunity for them to boost themselves economically,” she said.
She further noted that the celebrations provide an opportunity for Wajir and the wider Northern Kenya region to reshape national perceptions and demonstrate their readiness to host major state functions.
“This is a chance to show that Wajir is safe, secure and prepared to host the President and all Kenyans,” she remarked.
Ummi Bashir also confirmed that the newly constructed stadium is nearly complete and that all relevant stakeholders are working around the clock to ensure a successful Madaraka Day celebration.
“The stadium is almost ready and the county government is equally prepared and everyone is working hard to ensure the day is a success,” she said.
As a member of the national steering committee overseeing the celebrations, the PS expressed confidence that Wajir would successfully deliver one of the country’s most memorable Madaraka Day events.
“We have no doubt that Wajir County will hold a successful Madaraka Day this year. The residents of Wajir County are more than ecstatic that history has been made,” she added.
She described the new 10,000-seater stadium as a “mega milestone project” that would benefit the entire Northern Kenya region for years to come.
The inspection exercise also brought together top national and county leaders tasked with overseeing preparations for the event. Among those present were Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Ummi Bashir, and other senior government officials.
Earlier in the day, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi officially received General Charles Kahariri in Wajir as preparations entered the final phase ahead of the celebrations.
The Kenya Defence Forces chief inspected the parade rehearsals and reviewed the county’s preparedness for the historic national event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that Wajir is fully ready to host the celebrations successfully.
The presence of senior government officials and military leadership underscored the significance the government has attached to this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, which many residents view as a long-overdue recognition of Northern Kenya’s place in the country’s national identity.
For many locals, the event represents far more than a ceremonial gathering. It symbolizes inclusion, state investment, and the breaking of decades of historical neglect that communities in the region have often spoken about.
With the countdown to Madaraka Day now entering its final days, excitement continues to build across Wajir County as residents prepare to welcome thousands of visitors, national leaders, and Kenyans from across the country for what is expected to be a defining moment in the history of Northern Kenya.