Govt Spending Ksh1.7B On Airstrip & Stadium, Ksh946M Ahead Of Madaraka Day
Bungoma County is set to host the 2024 Madaraka Day celebrations. The event will be led by President William Ruto.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The government has spent Ksh1.7 billion in total on key infrastructure and social services in Bungoma County, with Ksh946 million allocated for preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations set for Saturday, June 1.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that the millions were for the purposes of renovating the key infrastructure which includes the Masinde Muliro stadium.
According to Mwaura, the majority of the funds were used to undertake the first phase of the stadium which has a sitting capacity of 40,000.
The government also spent Ksh139 million to facilitate construction works at Matulo Airstrip, with the majority of the works including rehabilitation of the airstrip which when launched, will be capable of handling commercial flights.
Government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura during a weekly press conference from the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya offices in Nakuru County on May 23, 2024. /ISAAC MWAURA
"The government is committed to enhancing infrastructure and social services in the region. The completion of Phase I of the Masinde Muliro project in Kanduyi Sub-county, costing Ksh807 million, and the rehabilitation of the Matulo Airstrip, costing Ksh139 million, for commercial flights are significant milestones," the statement read in part.
The second phase of renovating the Masinde Mulio stadium will cover terraces, perimeter fence, and access passes, a matter Mwaura added is nearly complete at an additional cost of Ksh790 million.
"Educational investments, such as the construction of an Engineering and TVET Complex at Masinde Muliro University, reflect the government's dedication to improving access to quality education," he added.
Mwaura assured Kenyans that the government is also putting resources to give a boost to the Western tourism circuit, with significant cultural heritage sites like the Kakapel National Monument and the Crying Stone of llesi being promoted to attract more tourists.
He termed the deliberate hosting of the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma as one that will enhance the region's national profile and infrastructure, showcasing its rich culture and economic potential.
Bungoma County is set to host the 2024 Madaraka Day celebrations. The event will be led by President William Ruto.
The event is set to be themed around agriculture with Ruto also expected to announce various initiatives to be undertaken in the sector led by CS Mithika Linturi.
"We are fully prepared for the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations. Comprehensive strategies have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, residents, and visitors. An emergency prevention and management plan, along with a detailed traffic management plan, has been developed to ensure minimal disruption to business.
"As we celebrate Madaraka Day, we honor our forefathers' dreams and commit to a future of continued prosperity. President Ruto will highlight the key milestones in regards to agriculture and food security and give our vision for the future as per the BETA agenda as enshrined in Medium Term Plan 4. Recently, our economy has grown and the GDP growth is strongly attributed to a rebound in the agricultural sector," the government spokesperson added.
