This year’s National Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held in Uasin Gishu County, Governor Jonathan Bii has announced.
Governor Bii described the opportunity as a great honour and a recognition of the county’s growing national profile and development achievements.
He was speaking during the swearing-in of the newly appointed Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board (CPSB) members.
The Governor said hosting of the national event would provide an opportunity for the county to showcase its progress, hospitality, investment potential and readiness to host major national functions.
“Hosting Mashujaa Day is a great honour for Uasin Gishu. It is a moment that brings together our shared values of patriotism, unity and service to our nation. We are prepared to welcome Kenyans from across the country and showcase the progress, resilience and potential of the County of Champions,” said Bii.
The Governor thanked President William Ruto and the National Government for selecting Uasin Gishu to host this year’s celebrations, saying the decision was a vote of confidence in the county’s strategic importance and contribution to the country’s development.
“We are deeply honoured that Uasin Gishu has been selected to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations. This is a profound vote of confidence in our county and a recognition of the remarkable strides we have made in transforming Uasin Gishu into a centre of excellence, enterprise and opportunity,” he said.
Bii said the county government would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the celebrations are successfully organised and provide a platform to market Uasin Gishu as a destination for investment, innovation and tourism.
“We will work together with all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are dignified, memorable and reflective of the spirit of our great nation,” he added.
The Governor also called on residents and leaders to identify individuals who have made exceptional contributions in agriculture, education, business, public service and community development so they can be recognised during the national celebrations.
However, the national 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations has been relocated from Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County to Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret after construction works at Kamariny was found to be behind schedule, making it unlikely that the venue would be complete in time for the national event.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking at a separate function, assured residents of Elgeyo Marakwet County that the relocation of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations would not affect the government’s commitment to completing the historic Kamariny Stadium in Iten.
Murkomen said construction of the stadium would continue as planned, emphasizing that the relocation was solely intended to ensure the national celebrations are held at a ready venue.
Meanwhile, addressing the newly sworn-in County Public Service Board, Governor Bii urged the members to uphold professionalism and integrity in managing the county workforce, noting that an efficient public service is critical to the successful implementation of the county’s Nguzo Kumi Development Agenda.
He challenged the Board to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment, promotions and disciplinary processes while safeguarding professionalism within the county public service.
The Governor further warned county employees against reporting to work late or while under the influence of alcohol, directing the board to take firm disciplinary action against habitual offenders, including dismissal where necessary.
He also called on county enforcement officers to treat members of the business community with professionalism, fairness, and respect while enforcing county laws, even as he urged traders to cooperate with county officers by operating within designated business areas and complying with county regulations.
“We have promoted more than 1,400 members of staff to motivate them. In return, we expect commitment, discipline and quality service to the people of Uasin Gishu,” said Bii.
Bii expressed confidence that the new board would strengthen public service delivery by promoting professionalism, accountability, and efficiency in the county government.
The newly appointed six-member board, chaired by Paul Kibet and comprising Daniel Melly, Dr. Emily Ng’eno, Augustine Cheruiyot, John Tanui, and Dr. Angeline Oyomo, will serve a six-year term with effect from June 24, 2026.
The ceremony was presided over by Eldoret High Court Judge Justice John Chigiti and attended by Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Philip Muigei, County Secretary Philip Meli, and other senior county government officials.
By Fredrick Maritim
