Preparations are in full swing as Kwale County gears up to host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations. 

It is the first time in history for Kwale County to host a national public holiday, and a second time for a coastal county to be a host of a national event.

In 2019 Mombasa held the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Mashujaa day is celebrated on October 20.

The 2024 event will be held at the Kwale Main stadium at Kinarani in Matuga Sub-County.

The stadium which is under construction will have a sitting capacity of about 40,000 people.

On Friday, Governor Fatuma Achani and Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo welcomed a high-profile delegation from the National Steering Committee on Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Kwale County Stadium in Matuga Sub-County.

The delegation, led by Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo also had PS Teresia Mbaika from the State Department for Devolution, PS Joel Arumonyang from the State Department for Public Works, and PS Mohammed Daghar from the State Department for Transport.

The inspection tour aimed to inspect the ongoing preparations at the Kwale County Stadium, the venue for the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Dr Omollo praised the county's efforts.

"Kwale has made tremendous progress in preparing for this national event. I am pleased to report that the construction and other works are 70pc complete," Dr Omollo said.

He also highlighted the significance of President William Ruto’s upcoming visit.

“The President, who was recently in Kwale to launch the Affordable Housing Project, will also attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations. This is a great opportunity to showcase both the progress of the housing project and the developments in Kwale,” he added.

Governor Achani expressed her gratitude to President Ruto for choosing Kwale as the host for Mashujaa Day.

“We are honored and thrilled to be selected for this historic occasion. Kwale will ensure that the celebrations are memorable and successful,” Governor Achani said.

She also extended a warm invitation to leaders, dignitaries, investors, and the general public from across Kenya and beyond to join the festivities.

Governor Achani emphasized that the event would bring multiple benefits to Kwale, including the development of infrastructure, increased business opportunities, enhanced security, and growth in tourism. 

“Our preparations are opening new roads, improving business conditions with better electrification, and showcasing our cultural and natural attractions. This will boost our local economy and present Kwale as a vibrant destination,” she explained.

At the same time the governor urged business persons operating hotels and guest houses to prepare in advance for the celebration.

"We are going to host a large number of guests from across the country.This is the perfect opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of our hotels so that the guests will be forced to come back again," she said.

General Manager of Leopard Beach Hotel Kioko Musyokas aid they have renovated their hotels and are ready to host the guests who will be attending Mashujaa.

“We are prepared. We have done all the necessary preparations from renovating our rooms,have unique menues among other things,” Mr Musyoka said.