The historic Kamariny Stadium has become the centre of public debate following the decision to move this year’s Mashujaa Day national celebrations from the venue, despite earlier expectations that Elgeyo Marakwet County would host the event on October 20.
The move has sparked mixed reactions from residents, leaders and stakeholders, many of whom have expressed disappointment, arguing that the county has for years been overlooked in the allocation of major national development projects,
Residents say the cancellation has denied Elgeyo Marakwet an opportunity to showcase its rich sporting heritage and the iconic Kamariny Stadium, a facility renowned for producing and nurturing some of Kenya’s greatest athletics champions.
However, county leaders have appealed for calm, insisting that Elgeyo Marakwet will still benefit significantly from the co-hosting arrangement involving neighbouring Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.
Governor Wisely Rotich assured residents that construction works at Kamariny Stadium are progressing steadily and that the facility will be completed ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
He said the project remains a top priority and is expected to transform Kamariny Stadium into an international-standard sports facility capable of hosting major national and international competitions.
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According to the governor, the co-hosting arrangement is also expected to attract additional national government investments in infrastructure and public amenities across the county, leaving a lasting development legacy for residents.
The ongoing upgrade of Kamariny Stadium marks a major milestone in Elgeyo Marakwet’s efforts to strengthen its reputation as the “Home of Champions,” a title earned through the success of its world-renowned athletes.
Once completed, the modern facility is expected to provide world-class training and competition grounds for athletes while boosting sports tourism, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economic growth.
County leaders have urged residents not to politicize the venue change, arguing that the long-term gains associated with the stadium’s transformation and related development projects far outweigh the disappointment caused by the relocation of the national celebrations.
They maintain that the modernization of Kamariny Stadium will stand as one of the county’s most significant achievements and serve as a lasting investment for future generations of athletes and residents.
As preparations continue, leaders remain optimistic that the upgraded stadium will cement Elgeyo Marakwet’s position as a global athletics powerhouse and create new opportunities for sports development and economic advancement in the region.
