Wajir County on Monday made history as the first Northern Kenya region to host Madaraka Day celebrations, with President William Ruto turning the national event into a showcase of development pledges, unity messaging and an early test of political mood ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, held at the newly built Wajir Stadium, drew thousands of residents and leaders from across the country in an event staged under the theme “Education, Skills and the Future.”
Madaraka Day commemorates June 1, 1963, when Kenya attained internal self-rule from Britain, marking the transfer of governing authority to Kenyan leaders ahead of full independence on December 12 the same year. It remains one of the country’s key national holidays, used to reflect on progress and set development priorities.
This year’s celebrations, however, went beyond commemoration. They doubled as a political and developmental statement in a region long regarded as peripheral in national planning.
Ruto: “Kenya belongs to all”
President Ruto used the occasion to reinforce his administration’s equity message, saying his government was deliberately investing in historically marginalised regions.
“This is a new chapter in our national story,” the President said, adding, “Kenya belongs to all of us, not just a few regions. We are committed to ensuring that every county shares in development, dignity and opportunity.”
He added that holding Madaraka Day in Wajir was intentional.
“We chose Wajir because development must be seen and felt everywhere. No part of this country will be left behind,” he said.
Ruto highlighted ongoing and planned projects in the region, including a civilian terminal at Wajir International Airport, expansion of road networks, and the establishment of Wajir University.
He also commissioned the Wajir Level Five Referral Hospital, describing it as a major step in improving healthcare access in Northern Kenya.
“This facility will save lives. It will ensure that our people no longer have to travel long distances for specialised treatment,” the President said.
Duale: “Correction of historical neglect”
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the choice of Wajir represented a “correction of historical neglect” dating back to the post-independence development model.
“As we celebrate Madaraka Day, we reflect on 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule and set course for its own future,” Duale said.
“Sixty-three years later, under President Ruto’s leadership, this moment affirms inclusion, equity and shared progress.”
Duale said the new hospital and planned university would transform the region’s social and economic outlook.
“This is not symbolism alone. These are real investments that will change livelihoods,” he said.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi described the event as a “historic recognition of a region that has long been excluded from national visibility.”
“For the first time since independence, the Republic has come to Wajir in full form,” the Governor said. “This is a statement that Northern Kenya is part of the national equation.”
He urged sustained investment beyond national celebrations, warning against what he termed “event-based development.” Mandera Senator Ali Roba said the region welcomed the projects but called for consistency in implementation. “We appreciate these commitments, but development must not be seasonal. It must be structured and continuous,” he said.
The decision to take Madaraka Day to Wajir is part of a broader government strategy to rotate national celebrations across counties in line with devolution and national cohesion goals.
In recent years, the celebrations have been held in Homa Bay, Bungoma, Embu, Kisumu, Narok and Meru, reflecting efforts to decentralise national events.
However, the Wajir edition carried additional political weight, coming at a time when early positioning for the 2027 General Election is gradually taking shape.
Analysts say Northern Kenya has become increasingly strategic due to its growing voter base and bloc influence in coalition politics.
While leaders avoided overt campaign rhetoric, development messaging dominated speeches throughout the day.
“History will judge us by what we build, not what we promise,” President Ruto said.
The government has in recent months intensified development activities in Northern Kenya, focusing on roads, education and health infrastructure in Wajir, Garissa and Mandera counties.
Officials argue the investments are aimed at narrowing regional inequality and integrating the North into the national economy.
The newly commissioned Wajir Level Five Hospital features an intensive care unit, high dependency unit, three operating theatres and a 96-bed capacity ward, making it one of the largest medical facilities in the region.
For decades after independence, Northern Kenya lagged behind other regions in infrastructure, education and public investment, with successive governments acknowledging but struggling to fully address the gap.
The relocation of national celebrations to Wajir was therefore seen as a symbolic shift in state priorities. Residents who attended the celebrations described the event as unprecedented.
“This is the first time we are seeing the full government here in our county,” said one resident. “It feels like we are finally part of Kenya.”
Leaders called for unity and continued focus on national development.
