Homa Bay County is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, with heightened security and upgraded infrastructure in place to accommodate thousands of attendees at the refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa confirmed that preparations have been finalized, with the 12,000-capacity stadium now renovated to international standards. The upgrades are a result of a collaborative effort between the National Government and the Homa Bay County Government.
“We are fully set to host the country for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium,” said Mworoa. “Those who will attend will see for themselves the quality of renovations done.”
In addition to the stadium, a state-of-the-art presidential state lodge has been constructed in the county to accommodate dignitaries and high-ranking officials. The county has also seen significant road improvements, including the transformation of roads in Homa Bay Town to bitumen standards and the development of a dual carriageway from the Mbita diversion to the stadium to ease traffic flow.
Mworoa stated that a comprehensive traffic and crowd control plan has been put in place. Designated parking areas have been identified at nearby institutions, and Homa Bay Secondary School will serve as a holding ground for overflow attendees.
“We are expecting more than the stadium’s capacity. To avoid congestion, we’ve set aside alternative holding grounds and created a proper traffic flow system,” she said.
Security remains a top priority, with a substantial deployment of officers to manage crowds and maintain peace throughout the event. Mworoa called on all attendees to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safe and successful national celebration.
“My clarion call is to request the attendees to cooperate with the security agents. We have deployed enough security officers to ensure the crowd is controlled,” she emphasized.
This year’s Madaraka Day theme is Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, highlighting Kenya’s strategic focus on sustainable utilization of its vast aquatic resources. With Lake Victoria at its doorstep, Homa Bay County offers a fitting venue for reflecting on Kenya’s maritime potential.
As the nation marks 61 years of self-governance, Homa Bay is poised to deliver a memorable and secure Madaraka Day celebration.
