President Ruto highlighted irrigation's role in strengthening food security during Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County, announcing the government's water infrastructure programme of 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of micro-dams across the country.
1 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President Ruto announced during Madaraka Day celebrations that the newly constructed Wajir Stadium will be named after late Wajir West MP and former Labour Minister Ahmed Khalif. Ruto pledged to complete the facility to international standards as part of the government's commitment to recognising national heroes and supporting development in historically marginalised regions.
1 June 2026 · Capital News →
President William Ruto issued a formal apology to the people of Northern Kenya for state-sanctioned marginalisation and neglect resulting from a 1965 Cabinet Sessional Paper that concentrated development on so-called "high potential" areas, leaving the northern frontier without adequate roads, water, healthcare or schools.
1 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
At Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County, President William Ruto committed to dismantling historical barriers that have denied Northern Kenya residents access to essential services and economic opportunities, citing systemic discrimination as exemplified by the experience of a Wajir resident who faced repeated obstacles obtaining a national identity card.
1 June 2026 · Capital News →
President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to begin consultations to formally integrate Madrasa, Duksi, and pastoral instruction programmes into Kenya's basic education framework, aiming to expand access to education for children in marginalised communities, particularly in northern Kenya and other underserved regions.
1 June 2026 · Capital News →
Elders from Wajir County will present President William Ruto with 100 camels as a cultural tribute following the county's hosting of Kenya's 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi announced. The gift represents the highest cultural honour the community can bestow, offered in appreciation for the President's selection of Wajir to host the national celebrations.
1 June 2026 · Capital News →
President William Ruto and other government officials joined citizens in Wajir County for the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, the first national observance held in Northern Kenya. A 10,000-seater stadium was constructed in just over 100 days to host the event.
1 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Wajir County is hosting this year's Madaraka Day celebrations, marking the first time the national event has been held in the North Eastern region.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Thousands of residents gathered at the newly constructed Wajir Stadium on Monday for the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, the first time the national event has been held in the region. President William Ruto was expected to preside over the celebrations, which featured cultural performances and reflected this year's theme of "Education, Skills and the Future."
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Wajir County is hosting the Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time in history, with this year's theme focused on education, skills, and the future. President William Ruto led the 2026 celebrations at Wajir Stadium, marking the first time the national event is being held in North Eastern Kenya.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki praised government reforms that have standardised the issuance of national identity cards across the country, eliminating discriminatory practices that previously subjected Northern Kenya residents to stringent vetting processes. He said the changes are promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring equal treatment under government systems regardless of region, culture, religion or background.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto issued a rare emotional apology to residents of northern Kenya during the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, acknowledging decades of systemic exclusion, infrastructural neglect, and policy failures by successive governments. The relocation of the national celebration to Wajir marked a historic first in 63 years of independence, which Ruto said reflected his administration's commitment to ensuring no region is left behind.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto has announced the formal integration of Madrassa, Duksi, and the Programme for Pastoral Instruction into the national education framework to provide recognised pathways for learners in Northern Kenya and other marginalised regions who remain outside formal education systems.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Wajir Stadium held Kenya's 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time, with President William Ruto arriving at 8:30am to crowds that exceeded the venue's 10,000-seat capacity. The event, themed "Education, Skills and the Future," drew thousands of residents and visitors from early morning hours.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto announced plans to bring 2.5 million acres under irrigation within five to seven years through a nationwide programme of 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of micro-dam projects, declaring water and irrigation central to northern Kenya's economic transformation. Speaking at Wajir Stadium during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebration, Ruto named priority projects including the Ewaso Nyiro Basin, High Grand Falls Dam, and proposed dams in Mandera, Wajir, and other counties.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo said his administration has initiated development projects in all electoral wards over the last four years and pledged further investment in vocational training centres and student bursaries to support technical skills development.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →
Wajir Stadium hosted the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time in the county, with thousands of Kenyans gathering at the newly expanded 10,000-seater venue. The event, themed "Education, Skills and the Future," drew crowds from early morning, with President William Ruto arriving at 8.30 am.
1 June 2026 · The Standard →