OPINION: Mashujaa Day 2024: Kwale County's Moment of Pride and Transformation

Kwale County is gearing up for an unforgettable milestone this October as it hosts the Mashujaa Day national celebrations for the very first time.

This year's event will not only be a moment of national reflection on Kenya's heroes but also a turning point for the people of Kwale, as the festivities bring significant benefits, including infrastructural development and economic growth.

The choice to host Mashujaa Day in Kwale marks the first time a major national celebration, presided over by President William Ruto, has taken place at the South Coast.

Understandably, the people of Kwale are filled with excitement and gratitude for this historic decision.

“It is more than a celebration; it is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the county's potential and the projects that are rapidly transforming the region,” said Majuma Karisa Charo, a college student in the county.

Kwale County was selected to host the Mashujaa Day 2024 celebrations with the theme of ‘Affordable Housing’. As a key pillar of the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), affordable housing is focused on increasing homeownership and reducing the housing deficit across Kenya.

Kwale is making significant progress with major infrastructure projects, including the near-completion of Kwale Stadium which stands as a powerful example of how Government policies are creating real, tangible benefits for everyday Kenyans – from job creation to stimulating the industrial sector through building and construction.

The New Stadium

The primary event will be held at the Kwale Stadium, which is currently undergoing a massive facelift to accommodate the expected 12,000 guests, including national dignitaries, local residents, and tourists.

According to the Principal Secretary, of Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, the renovations at the stadium are progressing swiftly, with construction works nearing completion.

The stadium, which previously had only two terraces, will feature expanded seating and modern amenities to host the Mashujaa Day event.

“Contractors have been working around the clock to ensure that the stadium will be ready for the big day. Once completed, the facility will stand as a lasting legacy for Kwale, with potential to host sporting events, including Kenya Premier League matches—a significant upgrade that was unimaginable before this project began,” Dr. Omollo added.

Alongside the stadium, the President will also preside over a luncheon at the County Commissioner’s residence, which is being transformed into a mini state lodge.

The residence has been completely rebuilt.

A spot-check at the residence revealed that most of the work has been done including landscaping, security, and road construction to ensure the venue is fit for the ceremony.

Boosting Local Infrastructure and the Economy

The Mashujaa Day celebrations are more than just an opportunity for the county to host a prestigious event; they are also sparking a flurry of development projects that will leave Kwale better equipped for future growth.

Key among these is the improvement of the county's road network. Roads leading to the Kwale Stadium and other key areas are being upgraded by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

"You see, these infrastructure improvements are expected to have a long-lasting impact on the county's economy by making it easier for people and goods to move around, further boosting trade and tourism," said John Ngugi, a resident of Kwale town.

Meanwhile, the Diani Airport, one of the key transport hubs in the county, is also undergoing a significant upgrade.

In preparation for the influx of dignitaries and visitors, the airport and the surrounding roads are currently being refurbished.

Dr Omollo believes that had it not been for the Mashujaa Day event, this vital infrastructure might not have received the attention it is now getting.

Business Boom in Kwale

With the national spotlight on Kwale, local businesses are already experiencing a boost.

The hospitality industry, in particular, is thriving as visitors and officials involved in the preparations seek accommodation in the county’s hotels.

Kwale's hotel owners have been advised to upgrade their facilities to ensure they can meet the high standards expected during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Dr Omollo noted that the preparations have also created numerous job opportunities for local residents.

Hundreds of workers have been hired to help with the renovations at the stadium, the mini state lodge, and other construction sites.

“You see all those young men and women in Kwale who were previously idling around are now earning a living by working on these projects, and the positive effects are already being felt in their households. This is truly a game-changer,” Dr. Omollo explained.

Additionally, the celebrations have attracted a variety of temporary business opportunities, from catering to logistics, as entrepreneurs position themselves to capitalize on the influx of visitors.

“Together with my able team, we are ready and willing to supply eateries like snacks and water at Kwale Stadium on the big day,” said Khadija Mohammed, a water vendor in Kwale town.

Security in Focus

With such a high-profile event on the horizon, security has become a top priority.

Dr Omollo emphasized that the security preparations for Mashujaa Day are being handled with the utmost seriousness.

According to the Principal Secretary, a multi-agency approach is being employed, with coordination between the county government, the police, and regional security teams to ensure that every aspect of safety is addressed.

“This heightened security presence is not just for the event itself. Security in Kwale has been increased well in advance of the celebrations and will continue to be a priority even after Mashujaa Day, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors,” said the Principal Secretary.

The Kwale County Commissioner, Mr Stephen Orinde who has been burning the midnight oil to ensure that everything goes as planned revealed that traffic management is also being carefully planned, with several parking areas already identified to accommodate the influx of vehicles on the day.

“For instance, helicopter landing sites have been inspected and upgraded, including Diani Airport, which is seeing significant enhancements ahead of the event,” Orinde further said.