Kitui County is set to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, amid a wave of infrastructural and development projects transforming the region.
The national event will take place at the newly constructed 10,000-seat Ithookwe Stadium, which stands as a major symbol of the county’s ongoing transformation.
As Kenya prepares to mark Mashujaa Day, the government has placed special focus on energy access, describing it as the lifeblood of the modern economy and a key driver of social transformation.
This year’s celebrations also honour the men and women who power homes, industries, and communities, underscoring their vital role in driving the country’s development.
The universal access to energy remains a top priority under the Kenya Kwanza administration. Kenya’s electricity connectivity now stands between 70 and 80 percent, with more than 1.1 million households linked to the national grid. Of these, 400,000 last-mile connections were fully financed by the government, easing the burden on low-income households.
To ensure equitable access, the government, in partnership with development partners, is targeting areas with less than 50 percent coverage, absorbing the cost of major infrastructure while citizens focus solely on wiring power into their homes.
The push for full connectivity is not just about lights and cables but about transforming lives — enabling children to study longer hours, hospitals to operate efficiently, and businesses to expand.
Govt Unpacks Goodies for Kitui Ahead of Mashujaa Day
In Kitui County, the last-mile electricity connectivity project has brought power to homes, schools, dispensaries, and trading centres. This access to energy is driving small businesses, powering cottage industries, improving healthcare delivery, and transforming learning environments.
Through collaboration with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), community barazas have raised awareness on safe and efficient electricity use, helping citizens save on consumption, avoid accidents, and turn power into economic empowerment through small businesses.
Energy access has also enhanced security. Street lighting in trading centers and urban areas has extended business hours, promoted night-time commerce, and opened new channels of local development.
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Kitui Airstrip and Ithookwe Stadium Mark New Era of Growth
In addition to electrification, the completion of Kitui’s first airstrip marks another historic milestone for the county, connecting it to Kenya’s air transport network for the first time.
The new facility is expected to open up tourism, attract business investment, and ease access to markets for local farmers and traders. The project will also cut travel time and costs while stimulating the local economy.
Beyond air transport, the completion of Ithookwe Stadium adds another layer to Kitui’s transformation. More than just a sports arena, the stadium is expected to serve as a hub for youth empowerment, talent development, and community pride.
It positions Kitui as a center for sports tourism and is expected to boost local enterprise during major events such as the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations.
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Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, praised the progress made on the stadium’s construction and revealed that the much-awaited facility has been built to international standards.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, October 7, after inspecting the project, Mvurya confirmed that the facility is 96 percent complete.
An 885-meter perimeter wall will be constructed around the facility to buffer it from encroachment.
The government has also liaised with the Kenya Urban and Rural Roads Authority (KURRA) to build several roads to ease access during Mashujaa Day.
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