Eldoret To Host 2026 Mashujaa Day As Uasin Gishu, Nandi, And Elgeyo Marakwet Jointly Stage National Celebrations

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has announced that the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 20, will be jointly co-hosted across three North Rift counties, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet, marking the first time a national holiday of this magnitude is staged through a multi-county partnership framework.

The main national ceremony will take place at the newly renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, with President William Ruto presiding over the state function.

A Multi-County Tripartite Model

While Eldoret serves as the primary host city, complementary cultural, economic, and sporting activities will be distributed across the neighboring counties of Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet.

According to Dr. Omollo, the regional tri-county model aligns with the national government’s policy of devolving state celebrations to spur local infrastructure, trade, and civic engagement beyond the capital.

Key Themes: Security, Sports, and the Economy

Reflecting the region’s status as the world’s premier distance-running hub, sports competitions will precede the main national day. Elgeyo Marakwet will host the national marathon finals in Iten on October 18, Nandi County will host the volleyball finals in Kapsabet on October 19, and the football finals will take place in Uasin Gishu leading into the main event.

A national economic expo at the Eldoret National Polytechnic features a two-day conference focusing on post-2030 economic planning and trade opportunities, bringing together state agencies, private sector players, and regional investors.

The focus on security highlights ongoing multi-agency stabilization efforts and peacebuilding initiatives across the broader North Rift region.

Infrastructure projects—including road network upgrades linking Eldoret, Kapsabet, Nandi Hills, and Iten, alongside upgrades at Kipchoge Keino and Kapsabet stadiums—have been accelerated ahead of the festivities. Thousands of delegates, foreign diplomats, and members of the public are expected to gather in Eldoret for the annual holiday honoring Kenya’s national heroes.