Mashujaa Day 2026: Sh63 Million Set Aside for Sporting Tournament
He said the tournament forms part of government efforts to ensure that the national celebrations create a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.
CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaks during the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament launch in Eldoret, where he dismissed doping allegations and outlined measures to ensure fair participation in the competition.
By Kevin Chesum
Preparations for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations have entered a crucial phase, with the government allocating Sh63 million for sporting competitions to be held across Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the tournament is intended to promote peace and cohesion across the country while creating opportunities for young people to participate in sports at the grassroots level.
Murkomen said the competitions will feature football, volleyball, athletics and basketball, beginning at the ward level on September 26.The volleyball inter-county finals will be held on October 19, while the football finals are scheduled for October 20.
The Iten Marathon will take place on October 18 in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.“The 2026 Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament will consolidate our ongoing efforts to promote peace and cohesion in all parts of our country,” Murkomen said during the launch of the tournament in Eldoret.
He said the tournament forms part of government efforts to ensure that the national celebrations create a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.
The government is also fast-tracking development projects in the three host counties, including the upgrading of sports stadiums, establishment of sports academies, improvement of road networks and expansion of electricity connections.
Murkomen said 34 sports stadia are currently being developed in different parts of the country. He said the facilities will provide young people with more opportunities to develop their talents and participate in competitive sports.
The government is also establishing sports academies and community stadiums in constituencies as part of efforts to improve access to sports facilities and support youth talent development.
Athletes will also be involved in an awareness programme covering athlete protection and welfare, anti-doping, legal matters and talent development.The Kenya Academy of Sports will conduct a seven-day training programme for coaches from October 7 to 14.
The training will be held at Kipchoge Sports Complex in Nandi County, Iten Vocational Training Centre in Elgeyo-Marakwet County and Eldoret National Polytechnic in Uasin Gishu County.
The Mashujaa Day sporting competitions will be held at ward, sub-county and county levels, with winners receiving cash prizes.At the ward level, the winner will receive Sh50,000, while the second, third and fourth-placed teams will receive Sh25,000, Sh15,000 and Sh10,000 respectively.
At the sub-county level, the winner will receive Sh200,000. The second-placed team will receive Sh150,000, the third Sh100,000 and the fourth Sh50,000.At the county level, the winner will receive Sh300,000, while the second, third and fourth-placed teams will receive Sh250,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.
In volleyball at the sub-county level, the winner will receive Sh100,000, with the second, third and fourth-placed teams receiving Sh50,000, Sh30,000 and Sh20,000 respectively.
The launch in Eldoret was attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, alongside other national and county leaders.
Murkomen urged leaders from the three counties to work together and coordinate preparations to ensure the sporting competitions and other Mashujaa Day activities are conducted successfully.
The celebrations are expected to provide young people with opportunities to participate in sports as the government continues to invest in sporting infrastructure and talent development programmes across the North Rift.
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