With the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 fast approaching, key infrastructure projects in Homa Bay are nearing completion to improve transportation and enhance the overall event experience, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has assured.
The celebrations will be held in Homa Bay County at the Raila Odinga Stadium, and Governor Wanga has outlined the four major developmental projects the county has been undertaking.
''As Madaraka Day approaches, we are finalising crucial infrastructural improvements to ensure a successful event,'' the governor revealed.
Among the major upgrades is the expansion of Kabunde Airstrip, allowing larger aircraft to land and increasing flight capacity. The improvement aims at making Homa Bay more accessible for visitors attending the national celebrations, including President William Ruto.
The expansion of the airstrip is expected to cost Ksh170 million, which will cater for extending the runway, compensating landowners, and upgrading airport facilities. Located just outside Homa Bay Town, Kabunde Airstrip has long been seen as a potential driver of economic activity in the region.
Additionally, the government is upgrading and expanding 17 kilometres of urban roads within Homa Bay Town. These improvements aim to ease congestion, enhance movement, and create a better road network for residents and guests.
The dualling of the Homa Bay Main Highway is another critical development. The Homa Bay Main Highway will be expanded to two lanes in each direction, instead of just one.
This will help reduce traffic congestion, make travel smoother and faster, and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The county leadership has also prioritised the revitalisation of the Homa Bay Pier, which is expected to boost water transport and local trade. The renovation will improve docking facilities and create more business opportunities for traders in the region.
''Together with Davis Chirchir, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, we conducted thorough inspections of these projects and are confident in the significant progress made thus far,'' Wanga assured.
Apart from these infrastructural preparations, officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are also finalising the preparations, with rehearsals for the security forces parade ongoing.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Musao, the military Parade Commander, KDF personnel are on the ground making preparations for the parades and are working closely with other national security agencies to ensure the event’s security and safety.
This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be held under the theme “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.”
