Murkomen: Preparations underway for historic 3-county Mashujaa Day celebrations
By Emmanuel Rono, July 23, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said preparations for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations are on course, with the government fast-tracking infrastructure projects ahead of the national event that will, for the first time, be jointly hosted by three counties.
Taking to his official Facebook page on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after chairing the 2026 Mashujaa Day National Celebrations Steering Committee meeting at Harambee House, Murkomen said this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations will be jointly hosted by Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties.
The interior CS said the move to co-host the event reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to inclusivity, equity and national unity.
“The hosting of the Mashujaa Day commemoration in different parts of our country is a demonstration of the Kenya Kwanza Government’s commitment to inclusivity, equity and national unity,” Murkomen said.
Govt writing history
The Interior CS described the arrangement as a historic first for the national celebrations.
“In a historic first, this year’s Mashujaa Day will be co-hosted by three counties: Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu,” he said.
Murkomen said the government’s preparations remain on schedule, with key development projects being implemented across the three host counties ahead of the week-long celebrations.
“The committee is on schedule to deliver sports infrastructure, roads, energy and other ancillary projects in the three counties in readiness for the week-long activities that will culminate in Mashujaa Day celebration at the Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret,” he said.
Earlier plans
The announcement comes months after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations would be held at Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Speaking in Chepkorio on May 2, 2026, during a community empowerment programme, Murkomen said the event would mark a milestone for the county and would feature military displays and national honours.
He also said President Ruto had intervened to revive construction of the stadium after years of delays.
Construction of the 10,000-seat Kamariny Stadium resumed in 2025 following delays linked to contractor changes and other project challenges.
Murkomen has inspected the site on several occasions and said the facility is expected to support athletics and other sporting activities once completed.
Governor Rotich defends the hosting
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich has come forward to clear his name from blame from angry residents, following the national government’s decision to move the October 20 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Speaking to youth at Lillies in Iten town on Monday, July 20, 2026, Governor Rotich said that although residents were delighted and had prepared to welcome various guests on that day, there is a need for residents to accept the changes that have been made, even if things did not go according to the initial plan.
“I ask the residents to accept the president’s decision. Mashujaa Day is just for one day, but there are many development projects that the president is implementing in our county that will last for years and years,” Rotich said.