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The Nairobian

Homa Bay to host this year's Madaraka Day Celebrations

National

By James Omoro | Feb 27, 2025

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Governor Gladys Wanga with their delegation during Raila Odinga Stadium and Kabunde Airstrip inspections ahead of this year's Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay town. February 27, 2025 [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay has been selected to host this year's Madaraka Day celebrations.

This is going to be the first national holiday to be held in the county.

Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo confirmed that the country will host the celebrations on June 1.

President William Ruto will preside over the celebration at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town.

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Dr Omollo, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and other principal secretaries toured the stadium to supervise the state stadium.

Initially, the celebrations were scheduled for Kitui County while Homa Bay was to host Jamhuri Day. The Madaraka Day venue was however changed due to this year's theme.

Dr Omollo explained that one of the key reasons for a change of venue was the celebration theme dubbed "Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs."

He said Homa Bay County, which hosts the largest share of Kenyan Lake Victoria, is suitable for promotion of blue economy activities.

“This is the best opportunity for the people of this county to take advantage of business opportunities to boost their livelihoods,” Dr Omollo said.

During the celebration tour, President Ruto will commission Homa Bay Pier whose construction is ongoing.

Governor Wanga said the celebration will make Lake Victoria more beneficial to the people of Homa Bay.

“Our pier has been dormant for several decades but we are now going to have ships which will boost transportation of goods and services through Lake Victoria. This will significantly boost the economy of our county,” Wanga said.

She said Lake Victoria is an important resource, which will transform the lives of residents if utilised well.

“Homa Bay is very rich in blue economy. We thank President Ruto for scheduling the celebrations for our county,” Wanga said.

Kaluma urged the technical team, which is improving the infrastructure of the stadium, to expedite their work.

“As leaders, we are also going to offer the support required to ensure the work going on in the stadium ends as soon as possible,” Kaluma said.

He told residents to prepare for the gains related to the fete.

“We have been watching Madaraka Day celebrations on television but this time, we are going to have them here. What a joyous moment!” Kaluma exclaimed.

Ruto is also expected to commission Homa Bay fish market in Homa Bay town, officially open Kabunde Airstrip after expansion of the runway, and unveil the new Homa Bay County Government headquarters.