President William Ruto led his first Madaraka Day Celebrations on Thursday, June 1, nearly 10 months after he was sworn in as President.
The event was held at the Moi Stadium in Embu County which cost Ksh476 million to upgrade it.
Kenyans.co.ke updated you on a minute-by-minute basis.
The Head of State used the platform to advance his Affordable Housing agenda and plan to deduct 3 per cent of workers' salaries to fund the projects.
He also launched the second phase of the Hustler Fund, where groups can access loans of up to Ksh1 million.
1:44: Ruto denied reports that his administration had imposed more taxes on Kenyans. In his speech, he termed the reports as misleading. Ruto stated that his administration had expanded the tax base by creating more employment opportunities.
"There was the misconception of expanding the national tax base, is it about people paying more or more people paying? The answer lies in empowering Kenyans to enter the taxable income category through intentional efforts to create millions of new jobs and millions of new taxpayers in due course," Ruto stated.
1:35: The Head of State lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on how they managed the August 2022 Presidential Election.
1:32: President Ruto expressed optimism about public participation in the proposed Finance Bill 2023, arguing that it portrayed political maturity. At the same time, he added that people were more concerned about how their funds would be utilised in the Affordable Housing programme.
1:10: Comoros President Azali Assoumani, in his address, indicated that his country was a great beneficiary of several reforms in Kenya. He noted that the Port of Mombasa was a key infrastructure to Comoros.
12:55: Gachagua lauded President Ruto for the progress in reviving the agricultural sector, especially in coffee and tea. He rallied other leaders to support Ruto in his economic transformation agenda. Moreover, he advised the Head of State to avoid distractors.
"The structural reforms aim at restoring the integrity of our agricultural sector in line with the Bottom Up Economic special agenda," Gachagua stated.
"Your Excellency, millions of Kenyans though quiet have confidence that the measures you have come up with will improve the welfare of the Kenyan people," he added.
12:41: Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire welcomes Ruto and other dignitaries for Madaraka Day Celebrations.
11:19: President William Ruto rides the military ceremonial car as he enters Moi Stadium Embu.
11:16: DP Gachagua receives Comoros President Azali Assoumani, among the guests at the national celebrations.
11:14: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Dorcas Gachagua, arrive at Embu Stadium.
10:53: Cabinet Secretaries arrive at the stadium as the military continues matching.
10:30: Chief Justice Martha Koome and Attorney General Justin Muturi arrive at the Stadium.
10:20: Other leaders throng at Moi Stadium Embu led by Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
9:42: Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki laments over counties financial constraints, and appeals to President Ruto to address in his Madaraka Day Celebration address.
9:36: Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula implored Kenyans to take a new trajectory towards building a cohesive society. He further dismissed claims that the Executive had captured the House.
9:30: Speakers of the Senate Amason Kingi and Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru arrive at the stadium.
9:22: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, among the first guest at Moi Stadium Embu, stated that the Madaraka Day Celebrations was about economic emancipation.
9:02: Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprise Simon Chelugui arrives at the stadium to assess the preparedness before Ruto and Gachagua's arrival.
8:52: International guests arrive at Moi Stadium before the national celebration's official start.
8:00: Military practice at Moi Stadium before receiving President William Ruto, the celebration's chief guest.
5:00: Kenyans continue streaming into the stadium ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations.
