Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has highlighted the importance of cooperation among Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties as Kenya prepares to celebrate Mashujaa Day on October 20, 2026. The three counties are working together to host the national celebrations for the first time, bringing attention to the North Rift region's sporting achievements, economic potential, cultural heritage and security progress.

The preparations are being coordinated through cooperation between the national government, county administrations, security agencies, elected leaders and other stakeholders. Omollo, who chairs the national steering committee overseeing preparations, has expressed confidence that the participating counties will work together to deliver a successful national event.The arrangement provides an opportunity for the counties to share responsibilities rather than concentrating all activities in one location. It also offers residents an opportunity to benefit from the visitors, publicity and business activity associated with a major national event.

For Omollo and the organising committee, coordination among the three county governments is essential to ensuring that the preparations cover transport, security, accommodation, public facilities and the smooth movement of visitors.The partnership brings together three counties with different strengths and opportunities:

Uasin Gishu County: Eldoret will host the main national ceremony at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, with improvements to roads, public spaces and other facilities underway.

Nandi County: Kapsabet will host activities that showcase the county's sporting talent, culture and economic potential, including volleyball competitions.

Elgeyo-Marakwet County: Iten and other areas will contribute to the celebrations through sporting activities, including marathon competitions, as well as showcasing the county's natural and cultural attractions.Uasin Gishu County has a central role in the celebrations because Eldoret has been selected to host the main national ceremony on October 20. The county is coordinating with national government agencies to ensure that the stadium and surrounding infrastructure are ready to accommodate the expected visitors.

During an inspection tour of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in September, Omollo said preparations had entered a critical phase. At the time, the stadium was reported to be approximately 68 per cent complete, with the organisers targeting substantial completion by October 14.Nandi County is another key partner in the celebrations, with Kapsabet serving as one of the towns involved in the preparations.

The county is widely associated with athletics and has produced internationally recognised runners. Its participation provides an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of sporting talent to Kenya's reputation and to encourage young people to participate in organised sports.

Kapsabet Stadium has also been undergoing improvement works ahead of the national event. An update published in September indicated that the facility was 45.4 per cent complete, with a planned capacity of approximately 10,000 people. These figures reflected the position at the time of the report, rather than a confirmed completion status on October 14.Elgeyo-Marakwet County completes the three-county partnership. It is particularly well known for its athletics tradition and the high-altitude training environment around Iten, which attracts runners and coaches.

Kamariny Stadium in Iten has been undergoing rehabilitation as part of the preparations. It was reported to be 58 per cent complete in September, with a planned seating capacity of approximately 10,000. The 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations are being organised around three principal themes: security, sports and the finance sector or economy. A thematic week running from October 13 to 18 is providing a platform to highlight these areas before the main ceremony.

Security and peaceful coexistence

Security is a central responsibility of Omollo's office. Hosting an event that attracts large crowds requires coordination among police officers, other security agencies, county administrations and emergency-response teams.

The three counties must also coordinate traffic management, crowd control and the protection of public facilities. Effective planning is necessary to ensure that visitors can move safely between event venues and that ordinary activities in the towns continue with minimal disruption.Sports are another major focus of this year's celebrations. The North Rift has a strong athletics tradition, but the programme also includes football and volleyball.

A grassroots tournament known as the Mashujaa Day Champions Edition was launched ahead of the celebrations, with a reported prize pool of Sh63 million. The tournament was designed to involve teams progressing from ward and sub-county levels to county and inter-countyThe economic theme provides an opportunity to discuss investment, financial services, enterprise development and the contribution of businesses to national progress.

The government has also encouraged communication and media partners to highlight development programmes and projects during the thematic week. The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is supporting publicity intended to help Kenyans understand the initiatives being showcased. As October 20 approaches, attention has increasingly shifted to completing facilities and coordinating the ceremonial programme.

On October 13, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri presided over a full-dress rehearsal at Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Omollo attended as military and security personnel practised parade movements and other elements of the ceremony. The rehearsal marked an important step in preparations for the national event.

The thematic week has also begun in Eldoret, including an exhibition at Eldoret National Polytechnic scheduled to run from October 13 to 18. The exhibition is intended to showcase the contribution of security, sports and the economy to Kenya's development.For residents of Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet, the most important question is whether the preparations will deliver lasting benefits.

Improved roads and public facilities can make travel easier, while upgraded stadiums can provide venues for future sporting competitions. Increased visitor numbers can create temporary business opportunities, and national publicity can help promote tourism and local enterprises.

The three counties may also gain from closer cooperation. Shared planning can encourage leaders to coordinate on transport, public services, sporting development and other issues that cross county boundaries.