North Rift Governors Hail Mashujaa Day Success in Eldoret

North Rift governors have praised the successful hosting of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, saying President William Ruto’s 10-day tour of the region helped speed up infrastructure development and the delivery of key projects.

The national celebrations were held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City on October 20, with Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich representing the three host counties.

The governors said hosting the national event had placed the North Rift in the national spotlight and demonstrated its ability to accommodate major government functions.

They also credited preparations for the celebrations with accelerating infrastructure improvements in Eldoret, Kapsabet and Iten, noting that the projects would continue benefiting residents long after the event.

Sang thanked Ruto for selecting Eldoret as the venue, saying the occasion had demonstrated the region’s readiness to host other major national and international events.

“We thank the President for giving us a chance to host this event in our Eldoret city because it enabled us to showcase our ability to host other major events within the region in the near future,” Sang said.

Rotich said the three towns had undergone changes through road upgrades and other development projects implemented ahead of the national celebrations.

“Our towns are no longer the same because the President delivered many projects that will for long benefit the region,” he said.

During his 10-day tour of the North Rift, Ruto commissioned and inspected development projects across Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Baringo counties.

Sang said the projects reflected the President’s commitment to fulfilling development promises made to residents of the region.

“The projects are a clear testament that Ruto has delivered on his pledges in this region and other parts of the country,” he said.

Addressing the gathering during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Bii said the region’s role in hosting the national event offered an opportunity to recognise its contribution to Kenya’s history, food security and sporting achievements.

He highlighted Uasin Gishu’s agricultural importance, Nandi’s historical association with freedom fighter Koitalel Arap Samoei and the scenic Kerio Valley in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

Bii said Mashujaa Day provided an opportunity to honour freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Kenya’s independence, alongside athletes and farmers whose contributions had strengthened the country’s international reputation and food production.

He urged Kenyans to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of past heroes and work towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

On security, the governor commended the national government’s interventions in Kerio Valley, saying improved security had helped restore economic activities and support trade.

“Our responsibility begins with security. We appreciate President Ruto’s administration’s interventions in the Kerio Valley, which have helped restore calm. Today, the guns have fallen silent, a vibrant economy has taken off, and we feel the effects in our markets as we receive abundant produce from the valley,” he said.

Bii also praised government investment in sports infrastructure, citing Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret and developments at Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet and Kipkeino Stadium in Nandi.

He said the facilities would provide opportunities for young athletes, create jobs and strengthen sports tourism as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

The governor said Kenya’s reputation in international athletics had been built through the dedication of athletes, coaches and communities across the region.

Bii further highlighted the agricultural strengths of the three counties, describing Uasin Gishu as a major grain-producing area, Nandi as a leading tea-growing county and Elgeyo-Marakwet as a region with considerable agricultural potential.

He thanked the national government for supporting farmers through subsidised farm inputs, saying the programmes had helped reduce production costs and protect agricultural livelihoods from unpredictable weather conditions.

“We appreciate your subsidised fertiliser and seed programmes, which help lower input costs and cushion farmers against unpredictable weather,” he said.

The governor noted that Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet had a combined Gross County Product of approximately Sh768.6 billion, highlighting their contribution to Kenya’s economic growth.

He said continued investment in infrastructure, agriculture, security and sports would be important in sustaining the region’s development and expanding economic opportunities for residents.