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.
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 said the airport project includes expansion of the terminal building and improvement of the taxiway and runway to enhance air transport operations.
“We assessed the progress of the expansion and rehabilitation of Wajir International Airport. The works will eventually allow separation of military and civilian operations to ease movement into and out of Wajir,” he said.
He added that the stadium, whose construction was recently launched by William Ruto, is currently about 10 per cent complete.
“We expect substantial completion by the first week of May as we prepare for the Madaraka Day celebrations,” he said.
The Principal Secretary said the County Commissioner’s residence will also be renovated to host the presidential luncheon during the celebrations.
He noted that additional improvements will include upgrading access roads, installing street lighting, and enhancing power and water supply in the area.
“We want to assure the people of Wajir, the Eastern region and the country that the government is committed to ensuring successful Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir,” he said.
Dr. Patrick Mariru, Principal Secretary, Department of Defence said the Ministry of Defence is supervising construction of the stadium and expressed confidence that the project will be completed within the set timelines.
“As we indicated earlier, we shall deliver the project by mid-May. Work is ongoing on a 24-hour shift basis to ensure the stadium is ready by June 1,” he said.
Mariru said the project has created employment for more than 400 workers daily.
He added that the Ministry of Defence will continue working with other government departments to ensure all the projects are completed within the timelines set by the government.
The Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, said the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority, is committed to delivering the airport project on time.
“The airport is important, especially as many Kenyans are expected to travel to Wajir for the Madaraka Day celebrations. We have the resources and personnel required to complete the project within the expected timelines,” she said.
Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed said the Wajir County Government appreciates the national government for investing in infrastructure in the county ahead of the national celebrations.
“This is a historic moment for Wajir as we prepare to host the President and Kenyans from across the country. These projects will also improve infrastructure such as street lighting and power supply,” he said.
He added that the county government will support the initiatives through community engagement to ensure smooth implementation of the projects.
By Hamdi Buthul
