President William Ruto has proudly announced that the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations will take place in Eldoret City, with Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties co-hosting this significant event.
During a meeting on the evening of July 13, 2026, Ruto engaged with leaders from these three counties to discuss the exciting preparations for this national celebration.
In a post on his X account, Ruto emphasized the importance of unity, stating that the celebrations will bring together these counties and called for an inclusive planning process involving all stakeholders.
“This evening, I welcomed leaders from Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties to strategize on the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret City,” Ruto shared.
Recognizing the occasion’s significance, he encouraged leaders to ensure that everyone has a voice in the preparations for this national event.
Earlier plans indicated that the celebrations would initially be held at Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced this during a community empowerment program in Chepkorio on May 2, 2026. He highlighted that the event would be a landmark moment for the county, featuring military displays and national honors.
Murkomen also noted President Ruto’s intervention to revive the construction of the stadium after prolonged delays, with work on the 10,000-seat Kamariny Stadium resuming in 2025 after overcoming contractor changes and other challenges.
Having inspected the site multiple times, Murkomen confirmed that the facility will support athletics and various sporting activities upon completion.
With this latest announcement, Eldoret City now stands at the forefront of the national celebrations, as Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties collaborate to host the event.
Ruto has urged leaders from these counties to engage all stakeholders actively during the preparation phase for the celebrations.
Mashujaa Day, celebrated annually on October 20, honors Kenyans who played pivotal roles in the nation’s fight for independence and its ongoing development. Each year, the celebrations rotate among different counties, with the host county partnering closely with the national government for seamless preparations.
As excitement builds for the 2026 national celebrations, infrastructure projects in the North Rift region, including the completion of Kamariny Stadium, are set to advance, ensuring a memorable and impactful event.
