By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay County will now host this year’s 62nd Madaraka day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town Constituency and will be presided over by President William Ruto.
Initially, the County was set to host Mashujaa day after President Ruto heeded to the County Governor Gladys Wanga’s plea to host the event during the County International Investment Conference which was held on February 27,2024.
This will be the first National celebration to be held in the County since the independence.
According to the Interior and National Administration Permanent Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, the decision was reached after a wider consultation between the National and County Governments.
“We had initially planned to host Mashujaa day in Homa Bay this year, but now it has become necessary that we host Madaraka day in the town.
It has been a tradition under the administration of President Ruto National celebrations be rotational across the Country,” said the PS.
“You all remember that under President William Ruto’s tenure, the first Madaraka day was held in Embu, then Kericho, Bungoma, Kwale and finally this year’s it will be held in Homa Bay and next it supposed to take place in Kitui County,” added Omollo.
According to the PS, the norm is to make sure that every part of the Country feels appreciated and also involved in the National celebrations.
He said this year’s celebration is themed around Blue economy and maritime.
According to Omollo, Homa Bay is best suited to host the celebration since it has 80 per cent Kenyan side of Lake Victoria.
The Ps was accompanied by Governor Wanga, Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and County Commissioner Moses Lilan
Omollo however appealed to the Homa Bay residents particularly business community to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their businesses and also to look at the potentials that the celebration will bring.
“There will be visitors from all parts of the Country and others from overseas and our people must take advantage of this to enhance their livelihoods,” he said.
During the inspection tour, the team visited the Kabunde Airstrip which is currently under renovation, the proposed Homa Bay County Headquarters at Kabunde which is expected to be officially commissioned by the President during the celebrations.
Wanga said it was a joy for the county to host the national event and urged the residents to explore and exploit the emerging business opportunities brought about by such events.
Wanga revealed that a number of big ships are expected to dock at the Homa Bay Pier which was under renovation at a cost of Sh600million to mark the day.
“We will have ships docking at the main pier which will showcase the vast potential and opportunities in the region,” she said.
The Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto had announced the authority’s plans to launch a ferry service in the County.
The pier is currently under construction nearing completion and will feature a jetty access road, a ferry ramp, drainage systems and walkways.
