PHOTOS: PS Omollo inspects Ithookwe Stadium ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations
Preparations for Mashujaa Day 2025 in Kitui County are in full swing as the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, conducted an inspection of Ithookwe Stadium to evaluate progress and readiness.
In a post on his X account on Friday, September 12, 2025, Omollo noted that the inspection focused on ensuring the venue, security arrangements, and access routes are ready to host the national event scheduled for October 20, 2025.
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He was accompanied by the County Commissioner of Kitui, Kipchumba Rutto, as well as county and sub-county security teams and officers from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
He noted that construction at the stadium is 80 per cent complete, with the remaining work focused primarily on roofing.
“We commend the close collaboration with the County Government of Kitui, under the leadership of the Governor, Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, in ensuring that preparations remain firmly on schedule. The new and modern Ithookwe Stadium is already 80% complete, featuring a 10,000-seater public terrace, a standard football pitch and a running track that will serve both the celebrations and future generations,” he wrote.
Beyond the stadium, Omollo highlighted ongoing infrastructural improvements across Kitui town.
He noted that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) are upgrading more than 10 kilometres of access roads linking the stadium to the State Lodge, where President William Ruto will host a post-celebration luncheon.
He also pointed out that the Ithookwe Airstrip is undergoing rehabilitation by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), with works being fast-tracked to ensure readiness for Kenya Defence Forces operations.
“Alongside this, the Ithookwe Airstrip runway is undergoing rehabilitation by KAA and KCAA, with works being fast-tracked to guarantee readiness for KDF operations.”
Omollo further noted that the mini State Lodge, which is earmarked to host VIP guests during the celebrations, is being refurbished and is expected to be ready by the end of September.
“Further, the mini State Lodge, earmarked to host the State luncheon, is being refurbished and will be ready by the end of September. Roadworks have also commenced, with KURA and KeRRA upgrading both urban and rural access roads leading to the celebration venue.”
Highlighting the broader impact, Omollo noted that hosting national events in different counties allows sustainable benefits to persist beyond the celebrations.
He said the investments in the stadium, access roads, airstrip, and State Lodge will support local sports development, improve community livelihoods, and boost economic activity in the county for years to come.
“These multi-sectoral efforts reaffirm the government’s commitment to delivering a befitting and memorable Mashujaa Day, while also investing in infrastructure that leaves a lasting legacy for the people of Kitui and beyond,” he said.
Ithookwe
Ithookwe Stadium is situated in Kitui town, the administrative capital of Kitui County in Kenya’s Eastern region.
It is located approximately 185 kilometres east of Nairobi, and serves as a central hub for the county’s activities.
2024 Mashujaa Day
In 2024, Mashujaa Day celebrations were held at Kwale Stadium in Kwale County, marking the first time the national event was hosted on the South Coast.
The theme of the celebrations centred around the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, highlighting the ‘Boma Yangu’ initiative.
The event featured speeches from national leaders, cultural performances, and the awarding of national honours to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.
The choice of Kwale County as the venue for Mashujaa Day 2024 was part of the government’s initiative to rotate national celebrations across different counties, promoting inclusivity and regional development.
The event was attended by President William Ruto and other dignitaries, with thousands of residents and visitors participating in the festivities.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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