Kenya invested billions in Wajir infrastructure for Madaraka Day

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo announced that the Kenyan government allocated over KSh2 billion for infrastructure and public works projects in Wajir County in preparation for the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, which the county is hosting for the first time. According to Dr. Omollo, the investments encompassed road construction and rehabilitation, stadium development, airport upgrades, public facility refurbishment, drainage improvements, and street lighting initiatives designed to prepare Wajir to host the national event. He revealed that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority executed six road projects costing approximately KSh1.9 billion, covering 25.1 kilometres of roads within and around Wajir town. The projects involved key routes connecting Wajir Stadium, the airport, government offices, residential areas, and the Wajir County Aggregated Industrial Park. Among the completed projects were the Furaha Girls–Wajir Stadium Road, the A2–Manyalo Junction and Stadium Ring Road, access roads to the County Commissioner’s residence, affordable housing units, the County Police Commander’s offices, Wajir Museum, and Police Quarters. A 9-kilometre road linking Wajir Airport, Basabra, Furaha School, and Wajir Stadium was also upgraded. Dr. Omollo further stated that the government implemented drainage enhancement works along the B13 Miyale Road to mitigate flooding challenges in Wajir town’s central business district and improve access to the county assembly. He added that the government constructed a new 10,000-seat Wajir Stadium featuring a VIP pavilion, football pitch, athletics track, and parking facilities, which served as the primary venue for the Madaraka Day celebrations. At Wajir Airport, the government rehabilitated the 1.2-kilometre runway and upgraded the access road to enhance connectivity and facilitate the movement of visitors attending the celebrations, according to the Principal Secretary. Other projects highlighted by Dr. Omollo included the refurbishment of the Wajir County Commissioner’s residence, installation of CCTV systems, construction of a perimeter wall, landscaping works, and the installation of street lighting across various sections of Wajir town. He mentioned that the projects created employment opportunities for more than 700 workers during implementation and are expected to continue benefiting residents by improving transport infrastructure, public amenities, trade, and access to government services. Dr. Omollo, who also chairs the National Celebrations Steering Committee, stated that the investments demonstrate the government’s strategy of utilizing national celebrations to support infrastructure development in host counties.