Every year, various national celebration are held in different counties, a tradition started by former president Uhuru Kenyatta. The rotational system of hosting national celebrations, brought forth by devolution, enables Kenyans to celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen our nationhood, and further enable equal opportunity for every Kenyan to have a taste and feel of the celebrations, which for years were preserved for those in Nairobi.

The government’s decision that celebrations are not only held in the Capital city, but in other counties has also ensured that the nation celebrates the diversity of economic activities that collectively define the nation’s progress.

Such commemorations have in the last few years been held at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kericho Green Stadium, Embu Stadium, Kwale Stadium among others. But behind the pomp and colour that comes with being a hosting county, there are other benefits that directly impact the lives of the people residing in these counties.

The economic boost

Besides the hosting facilities such as stadiums being upgraded, other infrastructural projectes including roads, sports stadia, and water systems are usually rehabilitated and renovated prior to the event.

In 2024, when the Mashujaa Day was held in Kwale County, many residents benefitted and they continue to rip the benefits of being a hosting county. According to John Kibe, months before the event, there was a flare of economic activities, which boosted the income of the residents.

There was construction, rehabilitation and renovation of various infrastructure within Kwale such as roads, installation of street lights, improvement of county’s sewarage systems, among other developments. “The stadium where the event was held was given a total overhaul. Previously, the stadium had only two terraces, but it was expanded to have more seats and modern amenities. The facility can now host bigger events and major sporting activities. This would not have happened if these celebrations had not come to Kwale,” Kibe says.

Aside from the upgrading of the stadia, other key infrastructure such as roads leading to the stadium and in other areas were upgraded too.

Kibe adds “These infrastructure upgrades have had a long-lasting impact on the county’s economy as it has made it easier for people and goods to move around, further boosting trade and tourism.”

Also, Diani airport and its surrounding roads, one of the transport hubs in the county also underwent a significant upgrade in preparation for the influx of dignitaries and visitors who were attending the national event. Long after the celebrations were over, residents are still enjoying the fruits of devolution and being a hosting county.

We also enjoy and benefit

“You see, for years, these celebrations were held in Nairobi and therefore, the people who lived in other counties never had an opportunity to experience the celebrations. We also did not have the opportunity to get all these benefits that come with being a hosting county such as the upgraded infrastructures. But with this revolving system, every Kenyan has an opportunity to enjoy the festivities and benefit either individually or as a county. We not only benefit from the upgrades, but our people also get an opportunity to showcase their talents in various things such as music and arts. Also, our county legends get to be recognised and awarded,” he says.

In Embu County, Stephen Nyaga, got a lifeline when Madaraka celebrations were held in the county back in 2023.

For Stephen and thousands of Embu residents, the grandeur celebration’s impact stretched far beyond the political speeches and parades.

Prior to the national event, Stephen was jobless and uncertain of how to provide for his loved ones. But he found hope and purpose in the heart of the celebrations. He worked at the construction site of the newly refurbished Moi Stadium, a key venue for the national event. “That stadium saved my family. If it were not for the Madaraka Day celebrations, I don’t know how we would have survived. The job gave me the means to put food on the table and later gave me funds that enabled me start a small business which has continued to be the main source of income for my family, beyond the celebrations,” Stephen says with emotion.

Pregnant with hope

His story mirrors that of many others in Embu. And with this year’s Madaraka celebrations expected to be held in Homa Bay County at Raila Odinga’s stadium, local traders and residents are pregnant with hopes of significant improvement of their livelihoods and infrastructures.

James Owino, a local trader near the stadium says with the ongoing renovations at the stadium, they have already started enjoying the benefits of being part of the celebrations.

“With the stadium renovations and the influx of visitors for the celebrations, we expect a surge in customers, which will boost our sales and livelihoods,” he says. But he is not alone.

Alice Akello, another trader in the vicinity, highlights the potential for part-time employment. “The ongoing construction and upcoming events will create temporary jobs, providing income for many people who are currently unemployed,” she notes.

Additionally, the county government has been investing in infrastructure projects, such as road improvements and the development of the Homa Bay Pier, aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic activities in the region.

“These initiatives are expected to further stimulate local businesses and increase employment opportunities,” explains Akello.

According to the PS for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, who also chairs the National Celebrations Steering Committee, such festivities not only honour the past but also promote a sense of community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate their shared heritage and aspirations. The steering committee is mandated with building the capacity of counties to hold national celebrations and ceremonies. The rehabilitation brings together several institutions to make the events succesful. For example, in the construction of a stadium, the committee has to involve the state department for sports and Sports Kenya inorder to ensure that the stadium they develop meet the required standards by the international regulators. State Department for Roads and its agencies including Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) are normally drawn in when it comes to rehabilitation of road networks.

According to Omollo, they not only provide state-of-the-art venues for national events but also for fostering local talent, promoting sports development and creating job opportunities.

Showcasing culture and diversity

“The infrastructural upgrades, economic stimulus and national visibility that accompany hosting such an event will leave a lasting impact, making this a moment of pride and transformation for the residents of the host county,” he says.

With the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga says hosting national celebrations is not just about the pomp and colour that comes with it, but it is a powerful way to unite the country while showcasing the county’s unique culture.

At the heart of these efforts is the Raila Odinga Stadium, currently undergoing a remarkable Sh500 million upgrade.

This renovation will increase the stadium’s seating capacity from 2,000 to an impressive 20,000, allowing it to accommodate the thousands of visitors expected for the national event.

New terraces and modern amenities are being installed to ensure that the facility meets national standards.

In addition to the stadium, the Kabunde Airstrip is set for rehabilitation and expansion to enable it handle larger aircraft, including the Embraer, ensuring seamless travel.

Key roadways within the county, such as the dualling of the Homa Bay highway, are also receiving significant upgrades. These infrastructural improvements will greatly enhance connectivity and the capacity to host large-scale events in the future. Beyond the economic benefits, the event offers the Nyanza county a unique opportunity to highlight its rich cultural heritage. The county is known for its vibrant music, traditional crafts, and delectable cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Victoria, Homa Bay is home to thriving fishing communities, fertile farmland, and stunning tourism destinations like Ruma National Park and Mfangano and Takawiri Island.

“This is our chance to showcase the beauty and diversity of Homa Bay to the entire nation,” Wanga says.

Ultimately, the decision to host the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations goes beyond a mere ceremony; it serves as a catalyst for long-term growth and development. “This celebration is not just a moment in time; it is a step towards a brighter future for Homa Bay,” says Wanga.