By Brian Kiprop
Thousands of Kenyans gathered at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Sunday to celebrate the 62nd Madaraka Day, marking a historic moment as the county hosted the national event for the first time since independence in 1963.
President William Samoei Ruto led the celebrations, joined by his Deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and other national and international leaders. The President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, graced the occasion as the chief guest, emphasizing the international significance of this year’s festivities.
Madaraka Day marks Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule from British colonial rule in 1963. In his speech, President Ruto noted the importance of this day in celebrating the resilience, vision, and courage of Kenya’s founding heroes and heroines.
A Day of Unity, Progress, and Vision
President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s developmental strides, notably under his administration’s Affordable Housing Programme. He announced that over 1,080 housing units in Nairobi’s Mukuru estate and 110 units in Homa Bay have been completed and handed over to residents.
On healthcare, Ruto reported that 23 million Kenyans have enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA) with 50,000 new applications being submitted daily. He added that KES 43 billion has been sent to health facilities under the new system, and 4.5 million Kenyans are fully covered by SHA.
The president also emphasized his government’s commitment to agriculture, promising continued support through subsidized fertilizer, timely payments for sugarcane farmers, and the revival of state-owned sugar factories, assuring Kenyans that none of them have been sold.
In education, the president reported the recruitment of 76,000 teachers since 2022, with 24,000 more to be hired next year. Additionally, the government has built 23,000 classrooms and continues to invest heavily in TVET and university education, covering up to 90% of tuition fees for needy students.
Empowering the Youth and Growing the Economy
Ruto announced that the Hustler Fund has now disbursed over KES 70 billion to 25 million beneficiaries, with KES 4.5 billion saved so far. He also unveiled plans to launch a youth employment drive next week that will see over 110,000 young people enrolled in the Kazi Mtaani program, aimed at creating grassroots employment and empowering start-up businesses.
The president also reiterated his government’s commitment to building a modern and inclusive Kenya, with devolution, economic empowerment, and education as key pillars.
Leaders’ Messages and Calls for Unity
Speaking at the event, ODM leader Raila Odinga called on the president to strengthen devolution by allocating more resources to counties and ensuring full decentralization of government services. He also urged compensation for victims of past anti-government protests, and encouraged Members of Parliament to play their roles in legislation and oversight.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki praised President Ruto’s vision for economic liberation and pledged continued support. He welcomed the unity between the president and Raila Odinga, calling it a step toward a more inclusive and united Kenya.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga thanked the president for hosting the national celebrations in the county, calling it a “new beginning” for the region. She noted that the government’s investment in the 12,000-seat stadium and focus on the blue economy are laying a foundation for long-term growth.
Blue Economy Takes Centre Stage
This year’s Madaraka Day theme, “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” placed Homa Bay at the heart of national attention. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the county is poised to become a key player in the country’s blue economy agenda.
“Homa Bay is privileged to lead the transformation of our blue economy. We will invest in infrastructure, innovation, and training to create jobs and promote sustainable development,” said President Ruto.
This year’s celebration was not only a commemoration of Kenya’s journey to self-rule, but also a showcase of national unity, renewed commitment to economic development, and the promise of a brighter future for all Kenyans.
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