By MUNIRA MANDANO
For decades, Kenya’s major national celebrations were largely centred in Nairobi, leaving other regions with limited opportunities to benefit from the economic activity and infrastructure investments associated with the events.
However, the government’s rotational hosting system is increasingly shifting the focus to counties, bringing national celebrations closer to the people while opening up new economic opportunities at the grassroots.
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, scheduled for tomorrow, will take a distinctive approach, with Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties jointly hosting activities in a programme designed to showcase the wider North Rift region.
The arrangement marks a departure from the practice of concentrating the celebrations in a single host county. Uasin Gishu will serve as the principal host, with complementary activities taking place in neighbouring Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties.
According to the government, the joint hosting reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to inclusivity, equitable development and national unity. It is also expected to highlight infrastructure projects in roads, sports, energy and other supporting facilities across the three counties.
The growing competition among counties to host national celebrations underscores the perceived economic and developmental benefits associated with the events. Supporters of the rotational system argue that decentralising national celebrations can stimulate local economies, attract investment and give communities across the country a greater sense of ownership of national occasions.
The programme will culminate in the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, following a week of activities showcasing sports, security, finance, culture and development initiatives.
A legacy of economic and infrastructure benefits
The rotational hosting system was announced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015, with the first celebrations under the arrangement taking place in 2016.
The initiative was intended to promote national cohesion and integration while stimulating economic activity in host counties and leaving behind lasting infrastructure.
Under the arrangement, Madaraka Day, celebrated on June 1, and Mashujaa Day, marked on October 20, have been held in different parts of the country, while Jamhuri Day on December 12 has traditionally remained centred in Nairobi.
The Council of Governors welcomed the decision to take the two celebrations to different counties, arguing that the arrangement would enable more Kenyans to participate in national events and allow host communities to benefit from government investment.
Experience from previous celebrations suggests that hosting a national event can generate business for hotels, transport operators, market traders and event suppliers. The influx of visitors, journalists, entrepreneurs and security personnel creates demand for accommodation, food, transport and other services.
Beyond the immediate commercial gains, host counties often benefit from accelerated infrastructure development, including road improvements, stadium construction or rehabilitation, public-space beautification and the development of civic facilities.
For instance, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu was completed in time for the 2021 Madaraka Day celebrations. In Bungoma County, Masinde Muliro Stadium underwent major renovations ahead of the 2024 national celebrations, while Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay was upgraded for the 2025 Madaraka Day event.
These facilities can continue serving local communities long after the celebrations, providing venues for sporting competitions, cultural festivals and other public events.
The rotational system also offers counties an opportunity to showcase their languages, cuisine, history and cultural heritage, strengthening national identity while celebrating the country’s diversity.
In addition, preparations for the events can create temporary employment opportunities for young people and women, particularly in hospitality, transport, construction, event management and the creative industries.
Government steps up preparations
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently said preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations were progressing well during a tour of the three host counties.
He said roads, electricity, water and other infrastructure projects were being implemented across the region ahead of the national event.
Murkomen also announced that sports competitions would be held in Tot, in Kerio Valley, as part of efforts to promote peace in the region.
Nandi County will host a national youth summit, alongside cultural competitions, a sports conference and other activities leading up to Mashujaa Day.
In Elgeyo-Marakwet, the government plans to construct a new county headquarters while upgrading roads, water and electricity infrastructure in the Iten area.
Murkomen said the three counties had been brought together to showcase the wider North Rift region, highlighting its cultural diversity, sporting talent, economic potential and ongoing development projects.
The involvement of government departments and infrastructure agencies is central to the preparations. These include the State Department for Sports, which oversees stadium development, and the State Department for Roads, working through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The projects are expected to improve public facilities and connectivity while supporting economic activities across the host counties.
Local businesses welcome the initiative
For local entrepreneurs, the benefits of hosting national celebrations go beyond the official ceremonies, with increased visitor numbers offering an opportunity to expand business.
Gilbert Kimutai, who operates a restaurant in Eldoret town, welcomed the rotational hosting system, saying it helps stimulate businesses in counties outside Nairobi.
“As part of the business community, we are happy with this idea of rotational national celebrations and we urge the Government to host more activities in the grassroots to open up more opportunities for us who are outside Nairobi,” Kimutai said.
His sentiments reflect the hopes of traders and service providers who anticipate increased demand during major national events. However, the extent of the benefits depends on how effectively local businesses are positioned to serve visitors and how widely the resulting economic activity is distributed.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has also called on Kenyans to attend the celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu County.
He said the thematic week preceding Mashujaa Day would showcase the contributions of the sports, security and finance sectors to national development.
“Ahead of the Mashujaa Day is a thematic week that will showcase on sports, security and finance sectors and this will reveal how the sectors contribute to national development, employment, public safety, financial inclusion and economic growth,” Owino said.
He urged residents, students and young innovators to visit exhibition booths during the thematic week and engage with participating institutions to learn about government services, innovations and development opportunities.
Counties look to future opportunities
As Kenya prepares to mark Mashujaa Day, the joint hosting arrangement offers the three counties an opportunity to present their development priorities, cultural heritage and economic potential to a national audience.
Elgeyo-Marakwet is expected to feature prominently in infrastructure and sporting preparations, Nandi will host the national youth summit, while Uasin Gishu will serve as the main venue for the celebrations and other activities.
Beyond the pomp and colour, the success of the rotational system will ultimately depend on whether the investments translate into lasting benefits for local communities.
For counties yet to host national celebrations, the prospect of attracting infrastructure projects, visitors and business opportunities remains an incentive to compete for future events.
If effectively implemented, the rotational system could continue spreading the economic and social benefits of national celebrations beyond Nairobi, strengthening devolution and giving more Kenyans an opportunity to participate in the country’s national milestones.
