Government Moves 2026 Mashujaa Day Celebrations From Kamariny Stadium to Eldoret City
The city is home to Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which is widely expected to host the celebrations should the government opt for a stadium venue.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The government has shifted the venue for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations from Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet County to Eldoret City in Uasin Gishu County, marking a change from earlier plans announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
President William Ruto announced the decision on Monday after holding consultations at State House with leaders from Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties ahead of preparations for the national celebrations scheduled for October 20, 2026.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the President said the three North Rift counties would jointly host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, with the event taking place in Eldoret City.
“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 said.
The President also directed leaders from the three counties to involve all stakeholders in planning for the national event, noting that Mashujaa Day is one of Kenya’s most significant national celebrations.
“Considering the symbolism of the occasion, I urged the leaders to involve all the stakeholders in preparation of the national event,” he added.
Kamariny Stadium Plans Shelved
The announcement represents a departure from the government’s earlier plan to stage the celebrations at Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
In May, Murkomen had announced that the renovated stadium would host the 2026 national event after inspecting the facility during a Community Empowerment Initiative at Kamwosor Grounds.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary said construction work had resumed following years of delays and expressed confidence that the project would be completed before October.
“We will be in Kamariny Stadium celebrating Mashujaa Day, and by then all the construction works will have been completed,” Murkomen said on May 2.
Construction of the 10,000-seat stadium resumed in 2025 after previous delays linked to contractor changes and implementation challenges. The facility is also expected to support athletics and other sporting activities once completed.
Eldoret Emerges as Host City
Although President Ruto did not identify the specific venue that will stage the celebrations, the announcement places Eldoret City at the centre of the national event.
The city is home to Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which is widely expected to host the celebrations should the government opt for a stadium venue.
Preparations are expected to involve both the national government and the county governments of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi, making it the first time three counties have jointly hosted Mashujaa Day.
National Significance
Mashujaa Day is celebrated annually on October 20 to honour Kenyans who played a role in the country’s struggle for independence and those who have made outstanding contributions to national development.
The celebrations rotate among different regions each year, with the host county or counties working alongside the national government to prepare venues, improve infrastructure and coordinate security and logistics.
The decision to move the 2026 celebrations to Eldoret City is expected to accelerate preparations in the North Rift region as the government begins planning for one of Kenya’s most import
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