First-Time Mashujaa Day Attendee Says Event Gave Ordinary Kenyans Reason to Feel Proud

One Kenyan who attended Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret for the first time has shared his experience, admitting the event allowed locals to experience things they had only heard about, such as seeing aircraft up close and watching three helicopters flying together.

The resident was among Kenyans who travelled to Kipchoge Keino Stadium for the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations, which brought together Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

He described the experience as memorable, saying it offered ordinary citizens an opportunity to see parts of the national celebrations they rarely encounter in their daily lives.

He noted that for some attendees, the day also marked their first time inside a stadium of that scale. The aircraft displays and the sight of helicopters flying together added to the excitement.

The resident urged young people to take pride in their country and play their part in building the country. He challenged them to work hard rather than blame President William Ruto when faced with difficulties, arguing that progress also requires personal effort.

He also praised Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for coordinating preparations for the event. According to the resident, Omollo remained closely involved, pushing teams to ensure the celebrations were ready.

“Thanks to PS Omollo, because he hasn’t slept to ensure the event succeeds. We wouldn’t have seen such a level of coordination were it not for him. He pushed himself and others to ensure everything is smooth,” he remarked.

In his Mashujaa Day address, President Ruto linked the celebrations to his message of equal opportunity and development across the country, under the “Usawa ni sawa” call.

He argued that every Kenyan should have a fair chance to succeed, regardless of birthplace, ethnicity or connections, and that development should reach communities across the country.

The message fits the rationale behind rotating national celebrations, which give different regions national attention while bringing visitors and business opportunities to host towns.

The approach, introduced in 2015, aims to bring national events closer to citizens while spreading their economic benefits.

Over the years, counties including Nakuru, Machakos, Meru, Kakamega, Narok, Mombasa, Kisii, Kisumu, Embu, Kericho, Bungoma, Kwale, Homa Bay and Kitui have hosted national celebrations.

Wajir hosted Madaraka Day in 2026, while Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet jointly hosted Mashujaa Day.

The events have also prompted infrastructure improvements. In the North Rift, preparations included renovation works at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Kapsabet Stadium in Nandi and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, alongside road improvements.

These facilities are expected to support sports competitions and other public events beyond national holidays.

The preparations also created opportunities for businesses around the stadium. Eldoret car-wash operator Mark Injendi Shalo expressed that his daily customers had increased from three to between eight and nine after construction work began.

Another business operator, Fatma Barbara, said the project had created employment opportunities for young people and other residents, expressing hope that the facility would attract more visitors and sporting events.

MeghanNimmoh [email protected]