North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno has described the hosting of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir as a reflection of the changing face of North Eastern Kenya from a region once associated with insecurity to a hub of development, trade and national integration.
Speaking to the media in Wajir on Friday, Otieno said the region had made significant progress in security and infrastructure development, making it ready to host a national event of such magnitude.
“The narrative of Northeastern has changed. The region was previously known for insecurity, but today the focus is on development, communication, trade and national events,” said the RC.
Otieno noted that Wajir was recently ranked among the safest counties in the country, a development he attributed to sustained government investment in security and public infrastructure.
He said preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations were at an advanced stage, with construction works at Wajir Stadium currently at 84 per cent completion, while the County Commissioner’s residence earmarked for a presidential luncheon was nearing completion.
“By May 25, all the preparations will be complete. We are fully prepared to welcome Kenyans from across the country to Wajir,” he stated.
The RC described the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region as transformative, citing the construction of the 749-kilometre Isiolo-Modogashe-Wajir-Tarbaj-Kutulo-Elwak-Mandera road as a major milestone that will open up North Eastern economically and strengthen security operations.
According to Otieno, the road project is expected to improve the movement of goods and people, enhance investor confidence and reduce security threats along the corridor.
“The road is a game changer because it will improve trade and deny criminals space to disrupt transport and economic activities,” he said.
Otieno added that the projects being undertaken ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations are designed to leave a lasting impact on the county beyond the national event.
He said two high-yield boreholes had already been drilled to boost water supply in Wajir town, while new access roads and public infrastructure would continue benefiting residents after the celebrations.
“The stadium and water projects are not temporary facilities for the celebrations. They are long-term investments that will continue serving the people of Wajir,” he noted.
The Regional Commissioner also assured the public that adequate security measures had been put in place across Wajir and the wider northeastern region to ensure the celebrations are conducted peacefully.
He said security personnel had been deployed within the stadium, around Wajir town and in key strategic areas to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors.
Otieno further announced that the celebrations would be accompanied by a week-long exhibition at Wagberi Primary School from May 25 to 31, where institutions will showcase innovations, science and skills development initiatives in line with this year’s Madaraka Day theme.
In addition, a football match will be held at the newly constructed stadium after the national celebrations.
By Hamdi Buthul
