The Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has revealed that President William Ruto’s Madaraka Day speech will centre on the blue economy, as the government shifts focus to unlocking the sector’s potential for economic growth and job creation.
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Itumbi noted that the president will emphasise the government’s commitment to turning Kenya’s aquatic resources into a key driver of development.
Itumbi said the government deliberately chose Homa Bay County to host this year’s national celebrations due to its strategic location and vast access to Lake Victoria, which offers immense opportunities in fishing, aquaculture, water transport, and tourism.
“Homa Bay shares 80 per cent of the Kenyan side of the lake. So it was the right place to bring up the discussion on the potential of the blue economy in Kenya,” he explained, underlining the county’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s blue economy agenda.
According to Itumbi, the president’s speech will also revisit earlier commitments made on expanding the country’s economic base while offering new insights into how the government plans to execute blue economy-related projects.
“Today’s speech will be heavy on the faith of the execution of the promises he had made. It will also be heavy on the plans that the government has going forward,” said Itumbi, hinting at key policy announcements and future investments.
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean, lake, and river resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation. Kenya, with access to both the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, aims to grow the sector through infrastructure, innovation, and partnerships with local communities.
Meanwhile, Itumbi noted that the massive turnout at the stadium reflected a strong sense of patriotism and a genuine embrace of national unity.
The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar—who arrived in Kenya on Saturday for a three-day state visit—will serve as the chief guest at the Madaraka Day celebrations, marking a historic milestone in Kenya-Slovenia bilateral relations.
This year’s event, which has also brought together leaders from across the political divide, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will be the first Madaraka Day celebration held in Homa Bay and the first since the formation of the broad-based government.
Earlier at the stadium, security officers had a tough time on Sunday night after thousands of Homa Bay residents thronged the Raila Odinga Stadium to spend the night at the venue, ahead of the Madaraka Day celebration.
Reportedly, within three minutes of the gates opening, the 20,000-capacity stadium was almost filled to capacity, while thousands of others still lined up outside the gates.
