Seventy per cent of ongoing preparations of National Madaraka Day celebrations in Narok are complete, the National Celebrations Committee has confirmed.
The committee led by Defense Principal Secretary Saitoti Torome, Rift Valley Commissioner Chimwaga Mongo and Narok Governor Samuel Tunai lauded the workmanship saying the contractors on the ground were working day and night to meet the set deadline.
They toured Narok stadium Friday where the main celebrations will be held, Narok County Commissioner’s resident where the construction of a presidential lounge is ongoing and inspected various roads within the town.
“Whatever we had agreed is going on well and we are pleased. We expect everything to be complete by May 7,” said Mr. Torome.
Governor Tunai lauded the collaboration between the National and County Governments saying it has made the work easier as every sector has a specific role to play.
“The decision to hold the celebrations was just made in March, but because of the good relationship between the county and national government, everything is going on smoothly and we feel very ready to host the celebrations,” said Tunai.
Tunai said already he has instructed the Sub county administrators to start mobilizing people in the grassroots to come out in large numbers to attend the celebrations saying it’s a privilege to host such a National celebrations.
“We want to make the day the most successful since independent and so we want our people to take advantage of the day by coming out in large numbers to witness what they have always seen on their TV screens,” said Tunai.
He reiterated the county will continue working with the statehouse committee to ensure the celebrations are the best since independence.
“We will show case our rich culture to the many visitors who will visit our county. We also encourage the visitors to take the advantage of visiting Maasai Mara game reserve, which is one of the best in Africa to see how beautiful Kenya is,” he said.
The Regional Commissioner on his part confirmed that security was beefed in the county and neigbouring counties as many local and international visitors are expected.
The three main highways leading to Narok town; that is Narok – Bomet, Narok – Nakuru and Narok – Nairobi highways are currently being expanded to control traffic jams on that special day.
“We want to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in all roads around the town so that business can continue as usual. So far everything is moving smoothly as planned,” he said.
Mongo asked the business community to take advantage of the day to make huge profits from selling quality goods to the many visitors flocking the county.
Among other major renovations currently undergoing include upgrading of the 5, 000 seater stadium to accommodate 4, 000 Very Important Persons (VIPs) dais and over 20, 000 people who will come to grace the National Celebrations.
Five additional entrances have also been constructed around the stadium in additional to the two current entrances.
By Ann Salaton
