- President William Ruto has announced that Kisii County will host its 2026 Jamhuri Day celebrations at Gusii Stadium, which is currently under renovation
- The decision, made during the distribution of Nyota program funds at the stadium, aims to boost regional development and spread national festivities across the country
- Kisii’s hosting rights, requested by Governor Simba Arati, are expected to bring political visibility, economic benefits, and infrastructure growth ahead of the 2027 General Election
Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto has announced that the 2026 Jamhuri Day celebrations for Kisii County will be hosted at the Gusii Stadium, which is currently under an upgrade and expansion works.
Source: Facebook
The president made the announcement on Thursday, January 29, during the distribution of the Nyota programme funds for Kisii, Migori and Nyamira counties at the stadium.
Why Jamhuru Day will be held in Kisii
He said the decision was intended to promote regional development and spread national celebrations across different parts of the country.
The hosting rights followed a request by Kisii governor Simba Arati, who appealed for the county to be granted the opportunity to host the December 12 national fete, citing its potential to stimulate the local economy and accelerate infrastructure and service delivery.
Kisii had previously been selected to host the 57th Madaraka Day celebrations in 2020, but the event was cancelled following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then president, Uhuru Kenyatta, instead addressed the nation from State House, Nairobi, and indicated that Kisii would be considered for a future national celebration once normalcy returned.
What would be the significance of Kisii hosting 2026 Jamhuri Day?
The confirmation of Kisii as the host county comes at a time when the county government is seeking to raise its national profile through development initiatives and public engagement.
Source: Twitter
Hosting a national celebration often places a county at the centre of national attention, with major speeches and policy pronouncements traditionally forming part of the programme.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election begin to take shape, the 2026 Jamhuri Day event is expected to draw national leaders, dignitaries and thousands of visitors to Kisii, providing both political and economic visibility for the region.
What are some of Arati’s achievements?
Meanwhile, Governor Arati’s administration has completed the construction of a Mother and Child Hospital wing at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) and expanded postnatal care facilities.
Hospital management systems have been digitised to improve efficiency and revenue collection.
In trade and agriculture, the county has completed and operationalised market centres in Magena and Marani, constructed market sheds in various wards, and supported farmers through cold storage and value-addition initiatives.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
