Residents of Homa Bay County swamped the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium to witness a historic occasion of the county hosting the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.
Thousands of euphoric residents turned up and filled the 12,000-seater stadium before Saturday midnight to witness the groundbreaking national fete as President Dr William Ruto led the nation to mark the national day.
Kenyans from all walks of life filled the stadium named in the honor of the former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga, as it became the center of national attention, hence marking a momentous day for the county.
The stadium, fitted with modern and state-of-the-art facilities and modern canopy-covered stands, served as the focal point of the celebrations commemorating Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in June 1963.
The national event that was led by President Dr. William Ruto was filled with entertainment from students and other local celebrities.
Dignitaries who were in attendance included the President of the Republic of Slovenia Natasa Pirc Musar, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Governor Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretary Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Ali Hassan Joho; Raila Odinga; top government officials; and political leaders, as well as international dignitaries.
In her address, Governor Wanga expressed deep appreciation to President Ruto for granting Homa Bay the honor of hosting the event, describing it as a milestone in the county’s development journey.
“For the first time ever, the people of Homa Bay are not merely following these national celebrations on television; they are living them and this day will leave an indelible mark on our community,” noted the governor.
Wanga also highlighted major infrastructural upgrades in the region, including the ongoing dualing of the main highway, expansion of Kabunde Airstrip, and other significant improvements to local roads and market centers.
She thanked President Ruto for fulfilling his pledge to upgrade the stadium, a promise he made during the finals of the Genowa Governor’s Cup six months ago.
“Six months ago, you pledged to complete the expansion of our stadium and today we proudly unveil the 12000-seater facility, with ongoing dualing of our main highway, expansion of the Kabunde Airstrip runway and the upgrading of various roads within Homa Bay town. These developments are indeed a testament to your commitment to keeping promises,” lauded Wanga.
With this year’s Madaraka Day theme, Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth, centered on the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Wanga called for increased national investment in the sector.
She proposed the establishment of a Blue Economy Centre of Excellence at Tom Mboya University and urged for enhanced safety measures for fisherfolk, alongside greater involvement of women and youth in maritime activities.
Homa Bay County, which borders 80 percent of Kenya’s Lake Victoria shoreline, has already seen progress with the revitalization of key piers in Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, and Mbita, with plans underway for a Lake Victoria public ferry service to boost trade and transportation across the region.
The governor further commended the president for appointing two prominent sons of Homa Bay, Hon. John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Dr Raymond Omollo as Principal Secretary for Interior, calling it a testament to the county’s growing influence on the national stage.
She called for national unity and continued cooperation across party lines and regions to ensure inclusive development.
“As we celebrate 62 years of self-rule, let us re-commit ourselves to national unity for progress and development,” said Wanga.
The successful hosting of the national celebration has provided a significant economic boost to the region, with local businesses reporting a surge in activity driven by the influx of visitors before, during and after the celebrations.
For Homa Bay, this historic event has not only elevated its national standing but also marked a crucial step toward its goal of achieving city status in the coming decade as it sets its sights on becoming the next Cape Town of Kenya.
By Sitna Omar
