The government has expressed confidence in Wajir County's readiness to host this year's Madaraka Day celebrations, as preparations enter the final stretch ahead of the national event scheduled for June 1.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inspection tour of Wajir Stadium and related infrastructure to assess the county's preparedness for the historic event.
The inspection focused on key areas, including stadium readiness, logistical arrangements, security planning, and supporting facilities required to ensure a smooth and dignified national celebration.
According to Dr Omollo, preparations have reached an advanced stage, with various teams already conducting rehearsals and final coordination activities on the ground.
"In preparation and readiness for the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations scheduled for 1st June, barely a week away, I led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inspection visit of Wajir Stadium and related infrastructure in Wajir County," said DDrOmollo.
He noted that the visit was aimed at assessing all critical components necessary for the successful hosting of the event.
"The visit focused on assessing preparedness for the national event, including stadium readiness, logistical arrangements and supporting facilities to ensure a smooth and dignified celebration. With rehearsals already underway, teams on the ground are fine-tuning coordination, movement and program flow to guarantee seamless execution on the day of the celebrations," he added.
The inspection was attended by the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri; Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi; Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir; Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination, Ahmed Abdisalan; and Wajir East Member of Parliament, Adan Daud.
General Kahariri also inspected the parade preparations and reviewed arrangements being put in place by security agencies and event organisers.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the county's commitment to ensuring a successful national celebration.
"This morning, I received the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, in Wajir as we continue preparations for the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations," said the governor.
He described the inspection as an important milestone in the final stages of planning.
"The General inspected the parade and assessed the level of preparedness ahead of this historic national event. The inspection reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that Wajir County is fully ready to host the celebrations successfully," Governor Abdullahi stated.
This year's Madaraka Day celebrations carry special significance for Wajir, marking one of the few times the national event is being held in Kenya's northeastern region. Leaders have hailed the decision as a recognition of the region's growing role in the country's development agenda and a demonstration of the government's commitment to inclusivity and equitable national development.
Hosting the celebrations is also expected to provide an opportunity to showcase Wajir's infrastructure development, cultural heritage, investment potential, and ongoing socio-economic transformation.
As the countdown to June 1 continues, government officials say coordination among national and county agencies remains strong, with security, logistics, protocol, health, and emergency response teams working closely to ensure all arrangements are finalised on time.
With rehearsals ongoing and final inspections underway, both the national government and the County Government of Wajir have expressed optimism that the county is well on course to deliver a memorable and successful Madaraka Day celebration befitting the national occasion.