The Narok Governor, Samuel Tunai has said the county and National government has set aside Sh. 1.5 billion in preparations of Madaraka Day Celebrations that will be held at Narok Stadium this year.
Speaking while addressing the state of the County in the County Assembly, the governor lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for accepting to hold the celebrations in the county, saying it will draw many visitors and boost business in the county.
He observed that the county is the fourth after Machakos, Meru and Kakamega to hold the National celebrations adding that the organizing committee has already commenced the ground work preparations towards the same.
“What an honour from our President to accept to hold such a big National occasion in our county. Many visitors from all parts of the world will flock in this town meaning the business people will reap huge benefits before and during the celebrations,” said the governor.
He asked the Members of the County Assembly, all leaders and the public to unite as they prepare to receive the visitors so that the celebrations can be more colourful than the previous celebrations.
“This event will benefit all of us and so I expect everybody to be in the front line doing what he or she can do best to make it very successful. We should put our political and tribal differences aside so that we can make the day a success,” he continued.
Tunai reiterated that the streets in Narok town will be refurbished and the stadium upgraded in the remaining two months to suit the standards of the celebrations.
His sentiments comes few days after the national Events Organising Committee toured Narok County Stadium to assess the possibility of holding Madaraka Day celebrations at the grounds.
The team comprising of senior government engineers, security team, reception and logistics officers from State House spent over six hours inspecting the stadium before heading to the County Commissioner’s residential house about four kilometers from the stadium.
The Sh. 300 million stadium built by the National Government was commissioned in the year 2016 and has a sitting capacity of 5, 000 people.
Some of the changes expected to be made on the stadium include construction of five new gates, restructuring of the Very Important Persons (VIP) dais to accommodate the dignitaries as well as ordinary Kenyans.
By Ann Salaton
