Preparations for this years’ Madaraka day national celebrations slated for Kisumu on coming Tuesday are complete.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Magu Mutindika said works at the venue of the celebrations at the new Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium are complete adding elaborate security measures have also been put in place in the Lakeside town ahead of June 1st event.
Mr. Mutindika said as part of security measures, Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) will not use the main Kisumu bus terminus. “We have agreed with matatu operators to close the main Kisumu matatu terminus that is within the Central Business District (CBD) for security reasons and have them operate on the outskirts. Traffic police officers will direct all vehicles, with those not destined for the celebrations given alternative routes in order to ensure smooth flow of traffic,” the RC added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to lead the nation during the Madaraka day celebrations and open several government projects undertaken by the national government.
The RC said the venue of the main event will host 3,000 people in conformity with Covid-19 protocols and thus advised residents to follow the proceedings on radios and televisions at home.
He said Ministry of Health has put in place a surveillance team to ensure the invitees conform to Covid-19 containment protocols. “The county government has secured face masks to be distributed to the attendees. Those entering the venue will be screened and sufficient hand washing water points will be put in place as well as sanitizers,” said Mutindika.
A host of local leaders led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Governors, MPs, Senators and residents from all the seven sub-counties of Kisumu and neighboring counties have been invited for the fete.
Meanwhile, Kisumu town is being spruced up, with the main streets undergoing beautification in readiness for the national event.
By George Kaiga
