Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye arrived in Kenya on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations set for Monday, October 20, 2025, in Kitui County.
He was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya. The CS announced that President Faye would grace the national event as the distinguished Guest of Honour.
“President Bassirou is in Kenya to grace tomorrow’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County as a distinguished Guest of Honour,” Mvurya stated through his official social media channels.
In addition to attending the celebrations, President Faye is set to embark on a State visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya and Senegal. His engagements will focus on deepening cooperation in trade, energy, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange areas both nations see as key to their development agendas.
This year’s Mashujaa Day, however, comes at a somber time for the nation following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15 in Kochi, India, aged 80. Odinga was laid to rest with full military honours, including a 17-gun salute accorded by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Despite the period of mourning, the government confirmed that the celebrations would proceed as planned at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized the importance of Mashujaa Day, calling it “a cornerstone of our collective identity.”
The 2025 Mashujaa Day will spotlight energy as a catalyst for economic and social transformation, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, SDG 7, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Faye’s presence in Kenya highlights growing Pan-African solidarity and signals a shared commitment to sustainable growth and youth-driven innovation across the continent.
