Homa Bay is set to undergo significant transformations in anticipation of the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations, which will be held in the County for the first time since Kenya’s independence.
Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo said that preparations are on course for the forthcoming celebrations slated for June 1, with this year’s theme, ‘Blue Economy and Maritime‘ highlighting the importance of Lake Victoria.
The PS was speaking at the Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay in the company of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, PS Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua, the chair of the national celebrations thematic committee Denis Itumbi, PS Transport Mohamed Agar, Interior Principal Administrative Secretary Anne Ngetich, Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa, and other county and national officials.
He said initially, they had plans to host Mashujaa Day in Homa Bay this year, but after considerations, it became necessary to host Madaraka Day here instead.
In preparation for the celebrations, Kabunde Airstrip is undergoing renovations to enhance its capacity, alongside various road projects managed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The steering committee overseeing the event has been actively inspecting infrastructure improvements, which include expanding electricity access and upgrading water facilities in Homa Bay town and surrounding villages.
“We visited the proposed government headquarters, which is also under construction and we expect it to be ready in good time for it to be officially opened by His Excellency the President when he comes for the celebrations,” he said.
Omollo expressed optimism about the upcoming celebrations, urging the local business community to seize the opportunity to boost their enterprises with the influx of visitors expected from across the country and abroad.
“You should also look at the potential that this celebration will bring because we will have guests from all over the country and overseas.”
He emphasized the need for swift action on ongoing projects, citing the limited timeframe leading up to the event.
Governor Wanga expressed her gratitude for having selected Homa Bay to be the host, saying that it will mark a historic moment for the county.
“It is indeed an honour to have been selected to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebration. This is the first time in history because we have never had this kind of celebration before,” said the governor.
Wanga noted that this year’s theme is very timely because the county has the largest part of Kenya’s Lake Victoria and that a lot of the blue economy activities take place therein.
She highlighted the significance of the blue economy theme, given the county’s substantial maritime resources, and expressed hope for fruitful discussions about the lake’s potential.
Homa Bay town constituency Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma encouraged the technical teams involved in the preparations to expedite their efforts and assured a memorable celebration for all Kenyans.
The event is anticipated to feature ships docking in the county, symbolising its maritime potential and promotion of the blue economy.
By Sitna Omar
