President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the hosting of two national days outside the capital on a yearly rotational basis on December 15, 2015. Six years later, four counties have hosted the Madaraka Day with Kisumu set to be the fifth on Tuesday, June 1.
County governments have outdone themselves in preparing stadiums that host these events.
Taxpayers have spent approximately Ksh2.6 billion on these projects. Here’s a highlight of the costs behind the stadia that have hosted the national occasion.
- Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
Nakuru County became the first county in the nation’s history to host Madaraka outside of the capital in 2016.
On April 30, 2021, Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui announced the county’s plans to renovate the 73-year old stadium through the Kenya Urban Support Programme funded by World Bank. Renovation costs are set at a total of Ksh4 billion for the next 5 years with Ksh650 million for the first phase launched.
After renovations, the stadium will host a capacity of 14,300 people, 6,100 more than its current at 8,200 people.
- Kinoru Stadium, Meru
In 2018, Kinoru Stadium in Meru hosted the national occasion. The budget cost of its renovations is estimated at Ksh900 million currently in its second phase.
Kinoru Stadium capacity is currently set at 10,000 people with an expected capacity of 30,000 after completion of renovations.
- Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok
Honouring the late veteran Maasai politician William Ole Ntimama, the former “Narok” stadium was completed its first phase of construction at a cost of Ksh313 million in 2014.
The multipurpose stadium has hosted other events such as the BBI Narok Rally and National Athletics Championships with a capacity of 30,000 people.
- Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu
The Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu is set to be the 5th stadium to host the national day on June 1, 2021. The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage Amb. Amina Mohammed stated that the stadium’s construction costs amount to Ksh498 million to date.
The stadium is set to have the second-largest capacity nationally of 35,000 people.
