President William Ruto has announced that the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations will be co-hosted by Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties in Eldoret City.

The president made the announcement after hosting leaders from the three counties on Monday evening, July 13, 2026, to discuss preparations for the national event.

In a post shared on his X account, Ruto said the celebrations would bring together the three counties and called for an inclusive planning process.

“This evening, I hosted leaders from Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties to discuss the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations to be co-hosted by the three counties in Eldoret City,” Ruto announced.

“Considering the symbolism of the occasion, I urged the leaders to involve all the stakeholders in preparation of the national event,” he added.

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.

Preparations begin

The latest announcement places Eldoret City at the centre of the national celebrations, with Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties jointly hosting the event.

Ruto urged leaders from the three counties to work with all stakeholders during preparations for the celebrations.

Mashujaa Day is observed annually on October 20 to honour Kenyans who contributed to the country’s struggle for independence and national development.

The celebrations are held in different parts of the country each year, with the host county undertaking preparations in collaboration with the national government.

Infrastructure projects linked to the event are expected to continue in the North Rift region, including the completion of Kamariny Stadium, as preparations for the 2026 national celebrations gather pace.